Novak Djokovic Eyes History at 2026 Australian Open
Novak Djokovic is back in Melbourne, and once again, all eyes are on the man who’s made Rod Laver Arena his personal playground. The 36-year-old Serbian legend is chasing something no man in tennis history has ever achieved: a 25th Grand Slam title.
After a frustrating exit from last year’s Australian Open due to a nagging hamstring injury, Djokovic returns with something to prove. He hasn’t lifted a major trophy since 2023, and in the time since, the new generation-led by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner-has made it clear they’re not just knocking on the door. They’re stepping through it.
Still, this is Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Ten titles.
Count ’em. No one in the men’s game has owned a single Slam quite like Djokovic has dominated Melbourne Park.
If there’s a place for him to remind the tennis world who still sets the standard, it’s here.
Djokovic’s Opening Test: Pedro Martinez
Djokovic opens his 2026 campaign against Spain’s Pedro Martinez in the first round. On paper, it’s a favorable matchup.
Djokovic is the heavy favorite, and historically, he’s made a habit of cruising through early-round opponents at this tournament. But with age, injury history, and a stacked field looming, nothing can be taken for granted.
The match is scheduled for Monday, January 19, though the exact time is still to be confirmed. Given Melbourne’s 16-hour time difference from the U.S. Eastern Time zone, fans stateside can expect to catch Djokovic’s opening match during the late-night or early-morning hours.
The Road Ahead Won’t Be Easy
The draw has been finalized, and Djokovic’s path to the final is anything but smooth. With rising stars and seasoned contenders scattered throughout the bracket, he’ll need to be sharp from the start. The “New Two” of Alcaraz and Sinner have each gotten the better of him in recent showdowns, and both are potential roadblocks deep in the tournament.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s this: writing off Djokovic in Melbourne is a fool’s errand.
How to Watch Djokovic at the 2026 Australian Open
For fans in the U.S., ESPN and ESPN2 will be your go-to channels for live coverage of the Australian Open. The Tennis Channel will also carry select matches.
Want to stream it? The ESPN App and ESPN+ will offer full coverage, including every match from all 15 courts.
You can even use multiview to watch up to four matches at once-perfect for those chaotic early rounds.
Fubo is another solid option, offering live streams of ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and more than 200 channels. New users can take advantage of a free trial to catch the action without a cable subscription.
Full Tournament Schedule (U.S. ET)
Here’s a look at the key dates for the 2026 Australian Open:
- **Sunday, Jan. 18 - Tuesday, Jan.
20**: Men’s & Women’s 1st Round
- **Wednesday, Jan.
21 - Thursday, Jan. 22**: 2nd Round
- **Friday, Jan.
23 - Saturday, Jan. 24**: 3rd Round
- **Sunday, Jan.
25 - Monday, Jan. 26**: 4th Round
- **Tuesday, Jan.
27 - Wednesday, Jan. 28**: Quarterfinals
- Thursday, Jan. 29: Women’s Semifinals
- Friday, Jan. 30: Men’s Semifinals
- Saturday, Jan. 31: Women’s Singles Final, Men’s & Women’s Doubles Final
Night sessions in Melbourne begin around 3 a.m. ET, so coffee might be your best friend if you're planning to catch Djokovic live.
Djokovic’s History at the Australian Open
Few players have a resume as decorated as Djokovic’s in Melbourne. Here’s a look at how far he’s gone in each of his appearances:
- 2025: Semifinals
- 2024: Semifinals
- 2023: Champion
- 2022: Did not compete
- 2021: Champion
- 2020: Champion
- 2019: Champion
- 2018: Fourth Round
- 2017: Second Round
- 2016: Champion
- 2015: Champion
- 2014: Quarterfinals
- 2013: Champion
- 2012: Champion
- 2011: Champion
- 2010: Quarterfinals
- 2009: Quarterfinals
- 2008: Champion
- 2007: Fourth Round (also reached Doubles Quarterfinals)
- 2006: First Round (Singles & Doubles)
- 2005: First Round
That’s 10 titles, four more than any other man in the Open Era. And while Father Time is undefeated, Djokovic’s record in Melbourne suggests he’s not done swinging just yet.
The Bottom Line
Djokovic’s return to the Australian Open isn’t just another tournament appearance-it’s a shot at history. He’s chasing No. 25, and while the next wave of talent is rising fast, there’s still no one better at navigating the two-week grind of a Grand Slam than Novak Djokovic.
He’s been here before. He’s done it before. And as the 2026 Australian Open gets underway, the question isn’t whether Djokovic can win again-it’s whether anyone can stop him.