The road to Grand Slam glory in Melbourne is about to be revealed. The 2026 Australian Open singles draw is set to drop this Thursday, January 15 at 2:30 p.m. local time, and as always, it’s a moment that can shape the entire tournament. Whether you're a top seed eyeing a manageable path or a dark horse hoping to avoid early landmines, the draw matters - a lot.
For players like Alex de Minaur and rising Aussie talent Maya Joint, the draw could be the difference between a deep run and an early exit. A favorable first few rounds could build momentum, while a brutal opening matchup might derail hopes before they begin. Fans will be watching closely to see how the chips fall - and who gets the kind of bracket that opens doors.
The draw will be streamed live on the Australian Open’s official YouTube channel starting at 2:00 p.m., giving fans a front-row seat to the unveiling. It’s always a fascinating exercise in possibility - one moment you’re dreaming of a second-week surge, the next you’re staring down a top-10 opponent in round one.
As for the tournament itself, the 2026 Australian Open main draw kicks off on Sunday, January 18. That’s a bit later than usual - six days further into January than last year - but it continues a recent trend. For the third straight year, the tournament will start on a Sunday, a move designed to ease the scheduling crunch and give players a bit more breathing room between matches.
The action will stretch all the way through to Sunday, February 1, when the men’s singles final will cap off two weeks of high-stakes tennis at Melbourne Park.
Before the main event, though, it’s all about qualifying. From Monday, January 12 to Thursday, January 15, players will scrap through three rounds for one of 16 coveted spots in both the men’s and women’s main draws. It’s a grind, but it’s also a golden opportunity - and for some, it’s the springboard to a breakout run.
This stretch has been dubbed “Opening Week” by tournament organizers, and it’s more than just qualifiers. Expect exhibition matches, open practice sessions, and the always-popular Kids Tennis Day to bring energy and excitement to the grounds even before the first main-draw ball is struck.
So whether you're tuning in for the draw, following a favorite through qualifying, or counting down to opening day, the stage is nearly set. The Australian Open is coming, and with it, the first major chapter of the 2026 tennis season.