2026 Australian Open Tournament Schedule

2026 Australian Open Tournament Schedule: Complete Day-by-Day Guide

The 2026 Australian Open returns to Melbourne Park with nearly three weeks of world-class tennis, starting with qualifying in mid-January and culminating in dramatic finals at the end of the month. Whether you’re planning your visit to Melbourne or tuning in from around the world, this complete tournament schedule outlines every stage of the event from January 12 through February 1, 2026. 

Key Dates & Tournament Overview

• Qualifying: January 12–15, 2026

• Main Draw Begins: Sunday, January 18, 2026

• Women’s Singles Final: Saturday, January 31, 2026

• Men’s Singles Final: Sunday, February 1, 2026

The tournament kicks off with opening week festivities and qualifying action before the main stars take center stage in the main draw.

Qualifying Rounds

January 12–15, 2026
The battle for a place in the main draw begins with four days of qualifying matches featuring 128 men and 128 women. Only 16 men and 16 women will secure their spots in the main tournament after three competitive rounds. 

Main Draw Schedule

Week 1 – Opening Rounds

Sunday, January 18 – Day & Night Sessions

• Main Draw: Men’s & Women’s Singles — Round 1 begins

• Doubles: First Round begins
  Play typically starts midday and continues in prime-time night sessions. 

Monday, January 19 – Night Sessions Continue

• Men’s & Women’s Singles: Round 1 continues

• Doubles: First Round
  Multiple courts host simultaneous matches, including Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena.

Tuesday, January 20 – First Round Concludes

• All remaining Round 1 play

• Doubles and Mixed Doubles action increases
  Fans can expect plenty of intense matches across the show courts. 

Wednesday, January 21 – Second Round Begins

• Men’s & Women’s Singles

• Doubles continues
  The quality of play escalates as seeded players face rising challengers. 

Thursday, January 22 – Second Round

• Singles and Doubles
  This is traditionally a full day of high-intensity tennis, with day and night session splits.

Friday, January 23 – Third Round Begins

• Singles: Round 3

• Doubles & Mixed Doubles continue
  Weekend crowds begin arriving in full force. 

Saturday, January 24 – Third Round Continues

• Singles & Doubles action
  A packed schedule across the major stadiums and outer courts. 

Week 2 – Mid to Late Tournament

Sunday, January 25 – Fourth Round

• Men’s & Women’s Singles: Round of 16

• Doubles advanced rounds begin

Monday, January 26 – Continued Fourth Round

• Singles battle for Quarterfinal seeds

• Doubles matches heat up

Tuesday, January 27 – Quarterfinals Begin

• Men’s & Women’s Singles Quarterfinals

• Doubles Quarterfinals across show courts

Wednesday, January 28 – More Quarterfinals

• Singles and remaining doubles action leading into semifinals

Thursday, January 29 – Semifinal Spotlights

• Women’s Singles Semifinals

• Men’s Doubles Semifinals

Friday, January 30 – Men’s Singles Semis

• Day & Night sessions highlight all semifinal matchups

Finals Weekend

Saturday, January 31 – Championship Matches

• Women’s Singles Final on Rod Laver Arena — one of the event’s biggest nights

• Doubles finals and other title matches including Mixed Doubles

Sunday, February 1 – Grand Finale

• Men’s Singles Final brings the 2026 Australian Open to a thrilling close

• Junior and select showcase finals help round out the day’s schedule

Both finals feature prime-time night sessions and typically deliver the most-watched tennis matches of the year. 

Session & Match Timing

• Day Sessions: Usually begin around 11:00 AM local time

• Night Sessions: Typically start from 7:00 PM onward

Exact session times and match orders are released daily, usually the evening before play. 

What to Expect

Across the two weeks of the main draw, the Australian Open features:

• Singles (Men’s & Women’s)

• Doubles and Mixed Doubles

• Junior Championships

• Wheelchair Tennis

• Legends and Exhibition Matches

Melbourne Park comes alive with entertainment zones, fan activities, and world-class competition from sunrise to night under lights.

Final Thoughts

From the drama of qualifying rounds to the electrifying finals weekend, the 2026 Australian Open schedule delivers something for every tennis fan. Whether you’re attending in person or watching from home, use this day-by-day guide to follow every rally, upset, and champion crowned at the first Grand Slam of the season.

Australian Open 2026 Tournament Schedule