The first Grand Slam of the 2026 tennis season is upon us, with the Australian Open set to commence in Melbourne. Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys return to the hard courts, but all eyes will be on a host of players with historic milestones within their grasp.
Historic Pursuits and Key Storylines
Jannik Sinner arrives with the chance to etch his name alongside Novak Djokovic in the record books. The Italian star will attempt to become only the second man in the Open Era to win three consecutive Australian Open singles titles, a feat last achieved by Djokovic.
On the women's side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will be fiercely determined to reclaim the title she lost in last year's final, where Madison Keys stunningly ended her bid for a three-peat.
Perhaps the most compelling narrative involves the pursuit of the career Grand Slam. Both Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek arrive in Melbourne needing only this title to complete a full set of all four major championships. Should the 22-year-old Alcaraz triumph, he would become the youngest man in history to achieve this legendary feat.
Fans are also 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 rivals have yet to face off.
How to Watch the Australian Open in the UK
For viewers in the United Kingdom, live coverage of the tournament will be broadcast on TNT Sports. Every match can also be streamed live and on-demand via the Discovery+ platform. In the United States, ESPN and the Tennis Channel hold the broadcasting rights.
Schedule and Record Prize Fund
The main draw action gets underway on Sunday 18 January 2026. The tournament will climax over finals weekend on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February.
This year's event boasts the largest prize purse in its history. The total fund has seen a significant 16 per cent increase, rising to a staggering £55.4 million. Consequently, the two singles champions will each receive £2.1 million, a notable jump from the £1.7 million awarded to Sinner and Keys in 2025.
With historic achievements on the line, fierce rivalries brewing, and unprecedented financial rewards, the 2026 Australian Open promises to be a spectacular start to the tennis year.
