Australian Open 2026: What You Need to Know as Sinner, Keys Begin Title Defenses in Melbourne
The 2026 Australian Open is here, and the stage is set for two weeks of world-class tennis under the Melbourne sun. Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys return as defending champions, ready to test their mettle against a stacked field chasing Grand Slam glory. From rising stars to seasoned legends, the draw is loaded with storylines-and the action gets underway Sunday, January 18.
Let’s break it all down: the contenders, the Brits in the mix, the prize money, and how fans can follow every serve, rally, and tiebreak.
Sinner, Keys Look to Defend the Crown
Jannik Sinner, the world No. 2 and reigning Wimbledon champ, enters Melbourne Park with confidence-and history on his side. He’s looking to claim his third straight Australian Open title, a feat that would further cement his status as one of the sport’s elite.
But the path won’t be easy.
Carlos Alcaraz, the current world No. 1, is eyeing a career Grand Slam and has the firepower to make it happen. Last year’s runner-up Alexander Zverev is back in form and hungry for redemption. And of course, there’s Novak Djokovic-24 Grand Slam titles to his name and still one of the toughest outs in the game.
On the women’s side, Madison Keys returns after her stunning title run last year, which included a memorable win over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Sabalenka, a two-time champion in Melbourne, is back and looking to reclaim her crown.
Also in the mix: world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who’s chasing her own career Grand Slam. With her all-court game and relentless intensity, she’s a serious threat to lift the trophy.
British Contingent: Who’s In and Who’s Out
There’s a solid British presence in the main draw this year, led by Cameron Norrie and Emma Raducanu. Raducanu, in particular, has drawn attention-not just for her return to form, but because she could face Sabalenka early in the tournament. That’s a potential blockbuster.
Joining them are Jacob Fearnley, Sonay Kartal, and Francesca Jones, all of whom earned their place in the main draw by cracking the world’s top 100.
Katie Boulter, the current British No. 4, also made the cut after several withdrawals opened the door.
Unfortunately, British No. 1 Jack Draper won’t be competing this year due to an arm injury. It’s a tough blow, especially given his strong performances in recent months.
Arthur Fery battled through qualifying to reach his first overseas Grand Slam main draw-a big milestone for the 21-year-old. George Loffhagen came close but fell in the final qualifying round.
Others, including Dan Evans, Jay Clarke, Jack Pinnington Jones, Oliver Crawford, Billy Harris, Jan Choinski, and Ryan Peniston, weren’t able to make it past the first round of qualifiers. Mimi Xu and Harriet Dart also came up short in qualifying.
Prize Money Hits Record High
Tennis Australia has raised the stakes-literally. The total prize pool for this year’s Australian Open is up 16%, reaching a record A$111.5 million (about £55 million). That puts it ahead of both Wimbledon and the French Open in terms of total payout, although the US Open still holds the top spot.
Here’s what the men’s and women’s singles players are playing for:
- Winner: $4.15 million
- Runner-up: $2.15 million
- Semifinalist: $1.25 million
- Quarterfinalist: $750,000
- Fourth Round: $480,000
- Third Round: $327,750
- Second Round: $225,000
- First Round: $150,000
Even players who didn’t make it past qualifying are seeing a bump in earnings, with a minimum 10% increase across the board. For those grinding through the early rounds, it’s a meaningful boost.
Doubles and Mixed Doubles: What to Watch
Men’s and women’s doubles action starts Tuesday, January 20, while mixed doubles kicks off Thursday, January 22.
Olivia Gadecki and John Peers return as defending mixed doubles champions, giving home fans a team to rally behind. Meanwhile, American Desirae Krawczyk is chasing her own slice of history-she’s one title away from completing the career Grand Slam in mixed doubles.
When and How to Watch
Melbourne is 11 hours ahead of the UK, so get ready for some late nights-or early mornings-if you’re following from home.
- Day sessions begin at 11:00 local time (midnight GMT) on the outer courts, and at 12:00 (01:00 GMT) on the show courts.
- Night sessions start at 19:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena.
- Finals: The women’s singles final is set for 31 January, with the men’s final on 1 February. Both begin at 19:30 local time (08:30 GMT).
The BBC has you covered with live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and BBC iPlayer. “Tennis Breakfast” kicks off every morning at 07:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, followed by live commentary of the night sessions.
There are also four special BBC Radio 5 Live Tennis programs airing at 21:00 GMT on January 19, 23, 26, and 30.
For those who prefer reading over listening, the BBC Sport website and app will have live text commentaries, match reports, features, and daily podcasts on the ‘All About’ feed.
Full Tournament Schedule
Here’s the key breakdown of the tournament’s timeline:
- Jan 18-20: First round (men’s and women’s singles)
- Jan 21-22: Second round begins; mixed doubles starts
- Jan 23-24: Third round
- Jan 25-26: Fourth round
- Jan 27-28: Quarter-finals; wheelchair competition begins
- Jan 29: Women’s singles semi-finals
- Jan 30: Men’s singles semi-finals; wheelchair doubles finals
- Jan 31: Women’s final, men’s and women’s doubles finals, wheelchair singles finals
- Feb 1: Men’s final
The Australian Open is always the tone-setter for the tennis season, and this year’s edition is brimming with intrigue. Will Sinner and Keys repeat?
Can Alcaraz or Swiatek complete their career Slams? Will a new name emerge under the bright lights of Rod Laver Arena?
We’ll find out soon enough. Game on.