Australian Open 2026: Raducanu, Norrie, and Top Seeds Set to Light Up Opening Day in Melbourne
The first Grand Slam of the 2026 tennis season is here, and Melbourne Park is ready to deliver the drama, intensity, and storylines that tennis fans live for. The Australian Open kicks off on Sunday with a packed slate of matches across every corner of the complex - from the iconic Rod Laver Arena to the outer courts where rising stars and seasoned pros will battle under the Aussie summer sun (and moon).
Among the headliners? British No.
1 Emma Raducanu and men’s hopeful Cameron Norrie, both looking to make deep runs Down Under. They’re joined by top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz, who bring star power to a night session that promises fireworks.
Raducanu Returns to the Grand Slam Stage
Emma Raducanu, seeded 28th, is set for a primetime slot on Margaret Court Arena, facing Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the night session. She’s second on court, with an approximate start time around 10am UK time on Sunday.
This marks a significant opportunity for Raducanu to reassert herself on the Grand Slam stage. After a stop-start couple of seasons, she’s coming in with momentum and a favorable first-round matchup. All eyes will be on how she handles the occasion - and whether she can find the rhythm that once carried her to a historic US Open title.
Norrie Opens Against Bonzi
Cameron Norrie, the 26th seed, will also be in action during the overnight hours. He’s scheduled third on the 1573 Arena against France’s Benjamin Bonzi.
For Norrie, this is a chance to set the tone early in the tournament. Known for his relentless baseline game and tactical precision, he’ll need to be sharp from the jump against a tricky opponent who’s more than capable of pulling off an upset.
British Qualifier Arthur Fery Gets His Shot
Before Norrie takes the court, British qualifier Arthur Fery kicks off the action on John Cain Arena at midnight UK time. He faces 20th seed Flavio Cobolli in what will be one of the first matches of the tournament. For Fery, this is a big stage and a big test - but also a big opportunity to announce himself on the Grand Slam scene.
Sabalenka, Alcaraz Headline Rod Laver Night Session
Rod Laver Arena will feature two of the tournament’s biggest names in the evening session. Reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka opens the night at 8am UK time against Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka’s power game and high-octane style make her a must-watch, and she’ll be looking to send a message early.
Following her, men’s second seed Carlos Alcaraz takes on Australia’s Adam Walton. Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism and shot-making flair have made him a fan favorite - and a serious title contender. Expect Rod Laver to be rocking for this one.
Other Notable Matches Across Melbourne Park
There’s no shortage of depth on Day 1. Let’s take a look at some of the other intriguing matchups:
Margaret Court Arena
- Maria Sakkari opens the day session against France’s Leolia Jeanjean.
- 18th seed Francisco Cerundolo faces China’s Zhizhen Zhang.
- Later in the night session, 10th seed Alexander Bublik meets American Jenson Brooksby.
John Cain Arena
- After Arthur Fery’s opener, 12th seed Elina Svitolina takes on Cristina Bucsa.
- Not before 6am, Frances Tiafoe (29th seed) meets Australia’s Jason Kubler in what could be a high-energy clash.
- Venus Williams, still competing at the Grand Slam level, faces Serbia’s Olga Danilovic.
KIA Arena
- Aussie Talia Gibson opens against Anna Blinkova.
- Tristan Schoolkate (AUS) takes on 32nd seed Corentin Moutet.
- Later, American Michael Zheng faces Sebastian Korda, followed by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Zhuoxuan Bai.
1573 Arena
- Miomir Kecmanovic meets Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
- 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova faces Zeynep Sonmez.
- Then it’s Norrie vs Bonzi to close the session.
ANZ Arena
- 26th seed Dayana Yastremska opens against Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
- Marta Kostyuk (20th seed) plays Elsa Jacquemot.
- Camilo Ugo Carabelli meets Marton Fucsovics.
- Suzan Lamens takes on Anastasia Potapova.
Other Courts to Watch
- Court 6: Beatriz Haddad Maia (vs Yulia Putintseva), Emilio Nava, and Yannick Hanfmann are all in action.
- Court 7: Patrick Kypson and Polina Kudermetova headline the early slate.
- Court 8: Caty McNally faces Himeno Sakatsume, while Liam Draxl plays Damir Dzumhur.
- Court 13: Hailey Baptiste takes on 32nd seed Marketa Vondrousova, followed by Arthur Cazaux vs Jaime Faria.
A Marathon of Tennis Awaits
With matches starting just after midnight UK time and continuing through the day, fans are in for a full slate of tennis action. Whether you’re tuning in for the top seeds, the British hopefuls, or the next wave of young talent, Day 1 of the Australian Open is packed with intrigue, storylines, and potential breakthroughs.
Grab your coffee (or your evening snack depending on your time zone), because the 2026 tennis season is officially underway - and it’s starting with a bang in Melbourne.