Australian Open 2026: Schedule of Play for Monday January 12
LINK: Schedule of Play
The 2026 Australian Open returns to Melbourne Park from January 12 to February 1, 2026, opening the tennis season in spectacular fashion. With four days of qualifying followed by a two-week main draw, the event delivers nearly three weeks of continuous world-class action.
Below is your complete daily schedule of play preview, outlining what fans can expect each day—from qualifying battles to championship weekend.
Australian Open Qualifying Schedule
January 12 – January 15, 2026
Qualifying Day 1 – Monday, January 12
-
Men’s & Women’s Qualifying: First Round
-
Matches across Melbourne Park outside courts
The tournament officially begins as players fight for coveted main-draw spots. Expect high intensity from the opening ball.
Qualifying Day 2 – Tuesday, January 13
-
Men’s & Women’s Qualifying: First Round Continues
Former tour regulars, rising juniors, and international hopefuls headline a packed schedule.
Qualifying Day 3 – Wednesday, January 14
-
Men’s & Women’s Qualifying: Second Round
With main-draw entry within reach, pressure rises and match quality spikes.
Qualifying Day 4 – Thursday, January 15
-
Men’s & Women’s Qualifying: Final Round
-
Main Draw Qualifiers Determined
One of the most dramatic days of the tournament, as careers and seasons pivot on a single match.
Main Draw – Week 1
January 18 – January 24, 2026
Day 1 – Sunday, January 18
-
Men’s & Women’s Singles: First Round
-
Doubles: First Round Begins
-
Opening Night Session on Rod Laver Arena
The main draw launches with marquee names, Australian favorites, and crowd-pleasing matchups.
Day 2 – Monday, January 19
-
Men’s & Women’s Singles: First Round Continues
-
Doubles: First Round
Early upsets often emerge as seeded players adjust to Melbourne’s conditions.
Day 3 – Tuesday, January 20
-
Men’s & Women’s Singles: Second Round Begins
-
Doubles: First Round Concludes
Momentum becomes critical as the draw starts to take shape.
Day 4 – Wednesday, January 21
-
Men’s & Women’s Singles: Second Round
-
Doubles: Second Round Begins
The quality lifts across all courts, with night sessions delivering early classics.
Day 5 – Thursday, January 22
-
Men’s & Women’s Singles: Third Round Begins
-
Doubles: Second Round
-
Mixed Doubles: Opening Matches
Traditionally one of the most entertaining days of the fortnight.
Day 6 – Friday, January 23
-
Men’s & Women’s Singles: Third Round
-
Doubles & Mixed Doubles Continue
The field narrows sharply as contenders separate from pretenders.
Day 7 – Saturday, January 24
-
Men’s & Women’s Singles: Fourth Round Begins
-
Doubles: Third Round
Weekend crowds create a charged atmosphere throughout Melbourne Park.
Main Draw – Week 2
January 25 – January 30, 2026
Day 8 – Sunday, January 25
-
Men’s & Women’s Singles: Fourth Round
-
Doubles: Third Round
Physical endurance becomes a major storyline as match lengths increase.
Day 9 – Monday, January 26
-
Women’s Singles: Quarterfinals
-
Men’s Singles: Quarterfinals Begin
-
Doubles Quarterfinals
Australia Day tennis often produces memorable performances.
Day 10 – Tuesday, January 27
-
Men’s Singles: Quarterfinals
-
Women’s Doubles: Quarterfinals
-
Mixed Doubles: Semifinals
One of the strongest overall days of match quality during the tournament.
Day 11 – Wednesday, January 28
-
Women’s Singles: Semifinals
-
Men’s Doubles: Semifinals
Championship narratives begin to crystallize under the bright lights.
Day 12 – Thursday, January 29
-
Men’s Singles: Semifinals
-
Women’s Doubles: Semifinals
A defining night session often determines the eventual champion.
Finals Weekend
January 30 – February 1, 2026
Day 13 – Friday, January 30
-
Women’s Singles Final
-
Men’s Doubles Final
The first singles champion of the year is crowned on Rod Laver Arena.
Day 14 – Saturday, January 31
-
Women’s Doubles Final
-
Mixed Doubles Final
Celebrating excellence across disciplines and formats.
Day 15 – Sunday, February 1
-
Men’s Singles Final
-
Wheelchair & Junior Finals
The tournament concludes with the sport’s most iconic hard-court title.
Session Times & Match Scheduling
-
Day Sessions: Typically from 11:00 AM (local time)
-
Night Sessions: From 7:00 PM
-
Extreme Heat Policy may impact early-round scheduling
Daily order of play is released the evening prior to competition.
Why the 2026 Australian Open Schedule Works
-
Four-day qualifying ensures a strong main draw
-
Balanced rest days for top seeds
-
Prime-time night sessions maximize global viewership
-
Weekend rounds deliver peak atmosphere
Final Thoughts
From the grind of qualifying to the drama of finals weekend, the 2026 Australian Open schedule is built for intensity, fairness, and unforgettable moments. With nearly three weeks of elite tennis, Melbourne once again sets the tone for the season ahead.
