The tennis season explodes into life as the Australian Open returns to Melbourne Park, marking the first Grand Slam of the 2026 calendar. Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys are back, but all eyes will be on a host of players with historic milestones within their grasp.
Historic Pursuits and Rivalries in Melbourne
This year's tournament is poised for potential history. Italy's Jannik Sinner aims to join an exclusive club, attempting to become only the second man in the Open Era after Novak Djokovic to win three consecutive Australian Open men's singles titles. On the women's side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will be fiercely determined to reclaim the title she lost to Madison Keys in a thrilling final last year.
Two of the sport's biggest stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, arrive with the chance to complete the coveted career Grand Slam. Both need only the Australian Open crown to have won all four major titles. Should the 22-year-old Alcaraz triumph, he would become the youngest man ever to achieve this remarkable feat.
Furthermore, the tennis world is eagerly anticipating a potential first Melbourne meeting between Alcaraz and Sinner. After battling in the finals of the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open last season, the Australian Open remains the sole Grand Slam stage where these two titans have yet to face off in a final.
How to Watch the Australian Open in the UK and US
For fans in the United Kingdom, comprehensive live coverage of the tournament will be provided by TNT Sports, with matches also available to stream online via Discovery+. Viewers in the United States can tune in to ESPN and the Tennis Channel for all the action from Melbourne.
Key Dates and Tournament Schedule
The main draw of the competition commences on Sunday 18 January 2026. The tournament will climax over finals weekend on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February. The all-important draw ceremony, which sets the path for every player, is scheduled for Thursday 15 January at 2:30pm local time (3:30am UK time), coinciding with the final round of qualifying matches.
Record-Breaking Prize Fund Announced
This year's event boasts the largest prize purse in its history. The total fund has seen a significant 16 per cent increase to £55.4 million. The eventual men's and women's singles champions will each be rewarded with a staggering £2.1 million, a notable rise from the £1.7 million claimed by Sinner and Keys in 2025.
With historic achievements on the line, fierce rivalries brewing, and a record financial reward, the 2026 Australian Open promises to be an unmissable fortnight of world-class tennis.
