The Australian Open returns for another year, kicking off the tennis season with more money on the table, more Australians in contention, and more pressure on the sport’s returning stars to deliver. Here’s everything you need to know.
How Much Prize Money Is on Offer?
The Australian Open’s prize pool climbed to $111.5 million, surpassing the $100 million mark for the first time in the tournament’s history. This increase represents a 16% rise on 2025’s $96.5 million pool.
Much of the uplift has been directed towards lower-ranked players, with qualifying-round price money up 16%, alongside expanded player support, improved travel assistance and strengthened welfare initiatives.
At the same time, prize money for the tournament’s winners and runners-up has also risen to record levels, underscoring the event’s continued commercial growth.
Australian Open 2026 Dates and Schedule
The tournament runs from 15 January to 1 February, following the tournament’s extended 18-day format. Qualifying takes place from 15-17 January.
The main draw begins Sunday 18 January, with matches split into day and night sessions. Day play generally starts from 11:00am-12:00pm, while night sessions begin at 7pm.
- First round: 18-20 January
- Second round: 21-22 January
- Third round: 23-24 January
- Fourth round: 25-26 January
- Quarterfinals: 27-28 January
The women’s semifinals are held on Thursday 29 January, followed by the men’s semifinals on Friday 30 January.
Finals weekend runs in twilight sessions:
- Saturday 31 January: Women’s single final, men’s doubles final
- Sunday 1 February: Women’s doubles final, men’s single final.
Daily orders of play are released the evening before each session.
Top Ranked Men and Women Confirmed to Play
Ninety-nine of the world’s top-100 men and 98 of the top-100 women will make the trip to Melbourne Park in January, officials have confirmed.
The only notable absence in the men’s field is world No.15 Holger Rune, who suffered a ruptured achilles tendon at the Stockholm Open.
How and Where to Watch the Australian Open
The Australian Open is broadcast live and free in Australia on Channel 9, with selected matches shown across Nine’s TV channels and digital platforms. It is also available via subscription at Stan sports.
Internationally, broadcast rights vary by country; major providers include Eurosport (Europe), ESPN (US), and Sony Sports Network (India & Subcontinent).
Live scores, highlights and match schedules are also available via the official Australian Open website and app.
Prize Money Breakdown
Singles – Men’s & Women’s
- Winner: $4.15 million (+19%)
- Runner-up: $2.15 million (+13%)
- Semifinalist: $1.25 million (+14%)
- Quarterfinalist: $750,000 (+13%)
- Fourth Round: $480,000 (+14%)
- Third Round: $327,750 (+13%)
- Second Round: $225,000 (+13%)
- First Round: $150,000 (+14%)
Qualifying Rounds
- Q3: $83,500 (+16%)
- Q2: $57,00 (+16%)
- Q1: $40,500 (+16%)
What’s New for Players in 2026?
Tennis Australia says it has recognised the long-haul travel commitments for many players, especially those ranked outside direct entry cut-offs, boosting travel assistance by 67%.
It says the expanded 18 day schedule also aims to improve player wellbeing, spreading the singles draw over nine match days per round, reducing instances of late-night finishes followed by next-day matches. This is of particular importance in light of Melbourne’s summer conditions, where daytime temperature regularly exceed 30°C.
A renewed emphasis on supporting lower-ranked players was reinforced by Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, who said: “From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors”.
Australian Players to Watch
Alex de Minaur leads the local charge, entering the tournament as a top-10 seed and coming off a career-best quarterfinal run last year. Rising star Maya Joint, ranked No.32, is seeded at a Slam for the first time. She’s joined in the women’s main draw by Ajla Tomljanovic, Kimberly Birrell, Priscilla Hon, and wildcard entries Talia Gibson, Emerson Jones and Taylah Preston. Former Russian Daria Kasatkina will also compete under the Australian flag for the first time.
Alexei Popyrin, Aleksandar Vukic, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Adam Walton, Tristan Schoolkate, James Duckworth and Rinky Hijikata round out the men’s main draw contingent alongside De Minaur.
In doubles, homegrown talent is again expected to feature heavily. Olivia Gadecki and John Peers return as the reigning mixed doubles champions, while other key names include Matt Ebden, Ellen Perez, and Jordan Thompson – the latter fresh off a US Open title with Max Purcell.
Aussie juniors and wheelchair players will also be out in force. Watch for Cruz Hewitt, Daniel Jovanovski, and top quad stars Jin Woodman and Heath Davidson to make noise in the second week.
What to Eat and Drink at the AO This Year
AO 2026’s food lineup is stacked. Shake Shack makes its long-awaited Australian debut, slinging Angus beef burgers and hand-spun shakes. Hector’s Deli brings its cult sandwiches to Garden Square, alongside Layla by Shane Delia serving Middle Eastern plates, and Entrecôte’s French baguettes and cheeseburgers. Vic’s Meat answers the call for a gourmet take on the classic Aussie sausage in bread.
On Grand Slam Oval, newcomers include Ho Jiak’s modern Malaysian, JollyGood’s Melbourne-style burgers, and Stalactites x Taverna’s Greek collab. D.O.C will serve Italian street pizza, and Fishbowl returns with their signature poke bowls. For families, Wonder Pies runs a nostalgic tuck shop at the Ballpark.
Over at AO Reserve, top-tier dining comes courtesy of Peter Gilmore (Bennelong, Quay), Simon Rogan (L’Enclume), and Alejandro Saravia (Farmer’s Daughters), with sushi master Shimpei Raikuni (Sushi Room) and Brisbane’s SK Steak & Oyster also on deck.
The Grey Goose Courtside Bar is also back for another year, perched over Court 6. Expect a French-inspired menu from Nik Hill (Porcine), plus their signature Lemon Ace cocktail, aiming to take on the viral Honey Deuce cocktail from the US Open.
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