2026 ATP & WTA Tennis: Friday, January 16 Schedule Breakdown - Auckland, Adelaide & Hobart
The 2026 tennis season is officially underway, and Friday’s schedule brings us into the thick of the action across three key venues: Auckland, Adelaide, and Hobart. With semifinal showdowns, quarterfinal clashes, and rising stars making their mark, this is where early-season momentum starts to build-or break.
Let’s dive into what fans can expect from Friday’s slate of matches, with projected start times, key matchups, and the storylines that are beginning to shape the opening chapter of this year’s ATP and WTA campaigns.
Auckland - ATP 250: Crunch Time in New Zealand
By Friday, Auckland is deep into its draw, and the intensity only ratchets up from here. The early rounds have already delivered a mix of local flair, veteran grit, and youthful energy, but now it’s all about who can hold their nerve as the stakes rise.
What to Watch:
- Quarterfinals or Semifinals (depending on scheduling): Expect the top seeds to be tested by players who’ve found rhythm on the hard courts.
This is the stage where matches often go the distance-three-set battles fueled by momentum and fatigue alike.
- Doubles Play: The doubles draw has been quietly heating up, and Friday could mark a pivotal point as teams eye a spot in the weekend’s final.
Matches are set to begin at 12:00 PM local time, with the evening session potentially bringing a prime-time thriller under the lights.
Adelaide - ATP 250 & WTA 500: Quarterfinal Thursday Rolls into Friday
Adelaide is always a fan favorite this time of year, and with both ATP and WTA draws running side by side, the energy at Memorial Drive is electric. Thursday’s quarterfinals spill into Friday, setting up a high-stakes day session and a marquee night slate.
Men’s Side (ATP 250):
- Big Names in Action: With players like Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the mix, Friday could feature some heavyweight matchups.
Whether it’s a top seed facing a surging underdog or a rematch from seasons past, the intensity will be palpable.
- Crowd Factor: Adelaide’s fans bring the noise-expect that to play a role, especially in tight sets and tiebreaks.
Women’s Side (WTA 500):
- Seeded Showdowns: The WTA field is loaded with top-tier talent, and by Friday, the draw is tight.
Look for players like Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, or Mirra Andreeva to be in the thick of it, facing off against equally dangerous opponents who’ve found early form.
- Doubles Momentum: The women’s doubles draw is also hitting its stride, with Friday’s matches potentially determining who gets a shot at the title on Saturday.
Match Times:
- Day Session: 12:00 PM local time
- Night Session: 7:00 PM local time
If you’re tuning in from afar, this is one of the most compelling dual-tour days outside of the Slams. Expect drama, high-level tennis, and plenty of storylines to carry into the weekend.
Hobart - WTA 250: Semifinal Friday in Tasmania
Down in Hobart, things are getting serious. Friday marks Semifinal Friday, and the WTA 250 event has already seen its share of upsets and breakthrough performances. Now, it’s down to four.
Key Storylines:
- **Veterans vs.
Breakouts**: With names like Elise Mertens and Barbora Krejcikova expected to be in the mix, the semifinals could pit experience against momentum. And don’t be surprised if a new face crashes the party-this tournament has a history of launching careers.
- Doubles Semifinals: The doubles draw also takes center stage, with teams battling for a spot in Saturday’s final. Chemistry and clutch play will be the difference.
Matches are scheduled to begin in the late afternoon, giving fans the perfect window to catch high-stakes tennis just before the weekend.
How to Watch
Tennis fans can follow all the action from Auckland, Adelaide, and Hobart through a variety of global platforms:
- ATP Tennis TV
- WTA Live
- Regional sports broadcasters
- Global streaming services
Updated daily match listings are typically available by 9:00 AM local time at each host site, so be sure to check in for the latest schedule and court assignments.
Looking Ahead
With finals weekend just around the corner, Friday’s matches are more than just stepping stones-they’re tone-setters for the rest of the season. Whether it’s a top seed looking to reassert dominance, a young gun making a name, or a doubles team finding its groove, Friday’s action is where the early-season narratives really start to take shape.
So grab your coffee (or set your alarm clock, depending on your time zone), because this is where the 2026 tennis calendar starts to get really interesting.