Aus Open 2026 – Dates Draws Tickets Prize Money
The Australian Open 2026 is set to run from January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park, continuing its tradition as the first Grand Slam of the year. The tournament features a total prize pool of AUD $111.5 million, with qualifying rounds held from January 12 to 15 ahead of the main draw. Players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Alex de Minaur are among those expected to compete at the event.
Melbourne Park has hosted the tournament since 1988, offering hard-court competition across multiple venues including Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena. Tournament director Craig Tiley leads the annual organization of the event, which draws fans from around the world to Victoria, Australia. This guide covers the key dates, draw details, prize money structure, and practical information for anyone planning to follow or attend the Australian Open 2026.
When Is the Australian Open 2026?
The Australian Open 2026 main draw runs from January 18 through February 1, 2026. Qualifying matches take place earlier, from January 12 to 15, giving lower-ranked players the opportunity to earn a spot in the main tournament. The event was established in 1905 and has grown to become one of the most prestigious stops on the tennis calendar.
Order of play is published on the official Australian Open website each evening for the following day. This applies to all courts, including show courts and outer courts.
Dates at a Glance
- Qualifying: January 12–15, 2026
- Main draw: January 18–27, 2026 (Rounds 1–4)
- Quarterfinals and semifinals: January 28–30, 2026
- Finals and closing ceremony: February 1, 2026
Session Times Overview
| Date Range | Event / Rounds | Approximate Session Times |
|---|---|---|
| January 12–15 | Qualifying rounds | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. start |
| January 18–27 | Rounds 1 through 4 | Day: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Night: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. |
| January 28–29 | Quarterfinals and semifinals | Day: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Night/Twilight: 7:00 p.m. |
| January 30–31 | Doubles finals and semifinals | 12:00 noon – 7:30 p.m. |
| February 1 | Men’s and women’s singles finals | 7:30 p.m. |
Key Facts Snapshot
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Dates | January 12 – February 1, 2026 |
| Venue | Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Surface | Hard court (Plexicushon) |
| Categories | Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Wheelchair |
| Total Prize Money | AUD $111.5 million |
| Tournament Director | Craig Tiley |
| 2025 Champions | To be confirmed upon completion of 2025 event |
Australian Open 2026 Qualifiers and Draw Details
Qualifying rounds run from January 12 to 15, 2026, at Melbourne Park. These matches determine which players earn passage into the main draw outside of those who have already qualified through ranking. The qualifying window provides a critical pathway for rising players and established athletes who missed direct entry.
The singles draw is scheduled for release on Thursday, January 15 at 2:30 p.m. AEDT. The doubles draw follows on Saturday, January 17 at 3:00 p.m., conducted on-site. Both draws are open to public attendance at the venue and are streamed through official tournament channels.
Key Points About the Draws
- Singles draw released January 15 at 2:30 p.m. AEDT
- Doubles draw released January 17 at 3:00 p.m. on-site
- Top players confirmed include Alcaraz (ATP No. 1), Sinner (defending champion), Djokovic (10-time winner), Zverev, and de Minaur
- Draws are open to public attendance at Melbourne Park
- Live updates available via ATP Tour and WTA platforms
Among those expected to compete are Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Australian home favourite Alex de Minaur. Player participation remains subject to fitness and entry confirmation closer to the event.
Australian Open 2026 Prize Money
The total prize pool for the Australian Open 2026 is set at AUD $111.5 million. The breakdown below reflects ATP singles figures, with comparable structures applied across women’s singles and doubles events.
| Round | Prize Money (AUD) | ATP Points |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | $4,150,000 | 2,000 |
| Finalist | $2,200,000 | 1,200 |
| Semifinalist | $1,150,000 | 720 |
| Quarterfinalist | $600,000 | 360 |
| Round of 16 | $330,000 | 180 |
| Second Round | $194,000 | 90 |
| First Round | $115,000 | 0 |
Full prize breakdowns for doubles, mixed doubles, and qualifying rounds are available through the official ATP Tour and Tennis Australia websites. Prize structures are reviewed annually and may be adjusted based on organizational decisions.
Where Is the Australian Open 2026 Held?
The Australian Open 2026 is held at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The venue has been the tournament’s home since 1988 and features a range of courts designed for high-level competition. Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena serve as the primary show courts, while additional facilities accommodate broader draw sizes and wheelchair events.
Melbourne Park operates on hard courts using the Plexicushon surface, consistent with previous editions. The venue offers accessible infrastructure across multiple areas, supporting both players and spectators throughout the event. Mixed doubles competitions run across the full tournament period, from January 18 to February 1.
How to Watch the Australian Open 2026 Live
Official broadcast and streaming options provide multiple ways to follow the tournament. ATP Tour and WTA platforms offer order of play updates, live scores, and match coverage throughout the event. ESPN provides coverage for men’s singles matches, including featured matchups on Rod Laver Arena.
- Official tournament site: ausopen.com
- ATP Tour platform: for scores, draws, and player information
- WTA site: for women’s order of play and results
- ESPN: live match coverage including prime-time sessions
- Social media: #AO2026, Instagram @australianopen, Facebook Australian Open, YouTube AustralianOpenTV, X @australianopen
Broadcast rights and streaming options may vary by region. Check local listings and official platforms for the most accurate coverage information in your area.
How to Buy Tickets for the Australian Open 2026
Tickets for the Australian Open 2026 are sold through the official tournament website, ausopen.com. The site offers session-based tickets covering day and night play across all courts. General admission and premium show court packages are available depending on availability and demand.
Gates typically open between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with play scheduled from 11:00 a.m. through approximately 7:30 p.m. for day sessions. Night sessions begin around 7:00 p.m. and feature high-profile matchups on the main arenas. Qualifying rounds also have separate ticketing arrangements, typically offered at reduced rates compared to main draw sessions.
Ticket Options Overview
- Day session tickets: cover morning and afternoon play across all courts
- Night session tickets: cover prime-time matches on show courts
- Ground passes: allow access to outer courts and general areas
- Premium packages: include reserved seating on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena
- Qualifying tickets: available at reduced rates for early-round access
For those exploring other activities in Victoria, the Freycinet National Park Guide and the Sydney Bridge Climb Guide offer options for wider travel plans beyond the tournament.
Australian Open 2026 Schedule Timeline
The following timeline outlines the key dates leading into and throughout the Australian Open 2026. The schedule reflects confirmed information from ATP Tour, WTA, and Tennis Australia sources. Minor adjustments may occur as the event approaches. For those planning their Victorian adventures, remember that Labour Day 2026 Victoria is also celebrated in the state.
- January 12–15: Qualifying rounds at Melbourne Park
- January 15 (2:30 p.m. AEDT): Singles draw release
- January 17 (3:00 p.m.): Doubles draw release on-site
- January 18: Main draw begins — Round 1 matches
- January 19–27: Progression through Rounds 1–4
- January 28: Women’s quarterfinals and semifinals
- January 29–30: Men’s quarterfinals and semifinals
- January 30–31: Doubles finals and mixed doubles events
- February 1: Singles finals — men’s and women’s championship matches at 7:30 p.m.
What Is Established and What Remains Uncertain
Several aspects of the Australian Open 2026 are confirmed through official sources, while others remain subject to further announcement. The table below compares confirmed information with areas where details are still pending.
| Established Information | Information Not Yet Confirmed |
|---|---|
| Dates: January 12–February 1, 2026 (qualifying through finals) | 2025 champion results pending completion of the 2025 tournament |
| Venue: Melbourne Park, Victoria, Australia | Detailed ticket pricing tiers for 2026 |
| Surface: Hard court (Plexicushon) | Final player entry list and wildcard allocations |
| Total prize pool: AUD $111.5 million | Broadcast agreements in specific regions |
| Tournament Director: Craig Tiley | Potential schedule adjustments closer to the event |
| Draw dates: January 15 (singles), January 17 (doubles) | Further exhibition or off-court event details |
The tournament follows a consistent annual pattern with dates and structures that closely mirror previous editions. Official announcements from Tennis Australia and the ATP Tour are expected in the months leading up to the event.
Australian Open 2026: Context and Background
The Australian Open was first held in 1905, making it the oldest tennis tournament in the Southern Hemisphere and the first Grand Slam of the calendar year. Melbourne Park became its permanent home in 1988, replacing the earlier Kooyong venue. The tournament has grown substantially in scale, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees and millions of viewers globally.
Melbourne Park’s infrastructure has undergone multiple upgrades over the years to accommodate increasing attendance and broadcast demands. The venue’s hard-court surface provides consistent playing conditions suitable for the international player field. With prize money exceeding AUD $100 million for the first time in the event’s history in recent editions, the Australian Open remains one of the most lucrative stops on the professional tennis circuit.
Key Sources for Australian Open 2026
“The Australian Open 2026 is scheduled from January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park, with qualifying rounds from January 12-15, a total prize pool of AUD $111.5 million, and draws released on January 15 (singles) and 17 (doubles).” — ATP Tour official release
Additional reporting from the official Australian Open website, WTA platforms, and Tennis Australia provides ongoing updates regarding draw procedures, session scheduling, and ticket availability. The ATP Tour tournament page and the WTA tournament listing serve as primary reference points for player entries, rankings, and match results throughout the event.
Summary: Australian Open 2026
The Australian Open 2026 runs from January 12 through February 1, 2026 at Melbourne Park, Victoria. The total prize pool stands at AUD $111.5 million, with the main draw beginning January 18 and the singles finals scheduled for February 1. Qualifying matches start on January 12, with the singles draw released January 15 and the doubles draw on January 17. Tournament director Craig Tiley oversees the event, which features top-ranked players including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic. Tickets and further details are available through the official Australian Open website.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Australian Open 2026 start?
The qualifying rounds begin on January 12, 2026, with the main draw starting on January 18, 2026.
What is the total prize pool for the Australian Open 2026?
The total prize pool is AUD $111.5 million across all event categories.
Where is the Australian Open 2026 held?
The tournament is held at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on hard courts.
When are the Australian Open 2026 draws released?
The singles draw is released January 15 at 2:30 p.m. AEDT, and the doubles draw is released January 17 at 3:00 p.m. on-site.
Who are the top players confirmed for Australian Open 2026?
Confirmed entrants include Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Alex de Minaur.
How can I watch the Australian Open 2026 live?
Live coverage is available via ATP Tour and WTA platforms, ESPN for select men’s matches, and the official Australian Open social media channels using the hashtag #AO2026.
How do I buy tickets for the Australian Open 2026?
Tickets are available through ausopen.com, with day, night, and ground pass options. Qualifying tickets are sold at reduced rates.
When are the Australian Open 2026 finals?
The singles finals are scheduled for February 1, 2026, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
More related posts
Carbon Steel Pan: Safety, Reviews & Vs Cast Iron Guide
What Is Lupus? Symptoms, Causes & Life Expectancy
What Is Type 2 Diabetes? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Freycinet National Park – Essential Visitor Guide
Yarra Trail Clothing: Reviews, Retailers & Buying Guide
Daylight Savings Victoria 2026: Clocks Forward or Back?
Borrowing Capacity Calculator: Ireland’s Rules Explained
Spotlight Fountain Gate: Address, Hours, Products & More
