The Australian Open 2026 is set to light up Melbourne once again, bringing world-class tennis, electrifying night sessions, and unforgettable championship moments. As the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, the Australian Open always sets the tone for the season—and 2026 promises two thrilling weeks of elite competition.
Scheduled from January 18 to February 1, 2026, the tournament will be hosted at the iconic Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, featuring the world’s top men’s and women’s players battling it out across multiple courts, including Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena.
Whether you’re planning to attend in person or follow the action globally, here is a complete and easy-to-understand breakdown of the 2026 Australian Open tennis schedule, including day sessions, night sessions, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
When Is the 2026 Australian Open?
- Tournament Dates: January 18 – February 1, 2026
- Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
- Surface: Hard Court (Plexicushion)
- Sessions: Day, Night & Twilight Sessions
The Australian Open traditionally spans 15 days, beginning with first-round matches and culminating in the men’s singles final on the final Sunday night.
Why the Australian Open Schedule Matters
The Australian Open is unique among Grand Slams for its combination of intense daytime heat and iconic night matches. The carefully planned schedule allows:
- Fans to choose between day and night sessions
- Broadcasters to cover global time zones
- Players adequate recovery time between rounds
- Prime-time slots for semifinals and finals
Understanding the schedule helps fans plan ticket purchases, viewing parties, and travel itineraries more effectively.
2026 Australian Open Provisional Match Schedule
Below is the provisional session-wise schedule for the 2026 Australian Open. Please note that order of play (players and court assignments) is typically released the evening before each match day.
Australian Open 2026 – Full Schedule
| Day | Session | Date | Time | Feature Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Day | Sun, Jan 18 | 11:00 AM | Men’s & Women’s 1st Round |
| 1 | Night | Sun, Jan 18 | 7:00 PM | Men’s & Women’s 1st Round |
| 2 | Day | Mon, Jan 19 | 11:00 AM | Men’s & Women’s 1st Round |
| 2 | Night | Mon, Jan 19 | 7:00 PM | Men’s & Women’s 1st Round |
| 3 | Day | Tue, Jan 20 | 11:00 AM | Men’s & Women’s 1st Round |
| 3 | Night | Tue, Jan 20 | 7:00 PM | Men’s & Women’s 1st Round |
| 4 | Day | Wed, Jan 21 | 11:00 AM | Men’s & Women’s 2nd Round |
| 4 | Night | Wed, Jan 21 | 7:00 PM | Men’s & Women’s 2nd Round |
| 5 | Day | Thu, Jan 22 | 11:00 AM | Men’s & Women’s 2nd Round |
| 5 | Night | Thu, Jan 22 | 7:00 PM | Men’s & Women’s 2nd Round |
| 6 | Day | Fri, Jan 23 | 11:00 AM | Men’s & Women’s 3rd Round |
| 6 | Night | Fri, Jan 23 | 7:00 PM | Men’s & Women’s 3rd Round |
| 7 | Day | Sat, Jan 24 | 11:00 AM | Men’s & Women’s 3rd Round |
| 7 | Night | Sat, Jan 24 | 7:00 PM | Men’s & Women’s 3rd Round |
| 8 | Day | Sun, Jan 25 | 11:00 AM | Men’s & Women’s 4th Round |
| 8 | Night | Sun, Jan 25 | 7:00 PM | Men’s & Women’s 4th Round |
| 9 | Day | Mon, Jan 26 | 11:00 AM | Men’s & Women’s 4th Round |
| 9 | Night | Mon, Jan 26 | 7:00 PM | Men’s & Women’s 4th Round |
| 10 | Day | Tue, Jan 27 | 11:00 AM | Quarterfinals |
| 10 | Night | Tue, Jan 27 | 7:00 PM | Quarterfinals |
| 11 | Day | Wed, Jan 28 | 11:00 AM | Quarterfinals |
| 11 | Night | Wed, Jan 28 | 7:00 PM | Quarterfinals |
| 12 | Twilight | Thu, Jan 29 | 11:00 AM | Women’s Semifinals |
| 13 | Day | Fri, Jan 30 | 12:00 PM | Men’s Semifinal |
| 13 | Night | Fri, Jan 30 | 7:30 PM | Men’s Semifinal |
| 14 | Twilight | Sat, Jan 31 | 7:30 PM | Women’s Final |
| 15 | Twilight | Sun, Feb 1 | 7:30 PM | Men’s Final |
⚠️ Schedule subject to change depending on weather, match duration, and tournament requirements.
Key Rounds Explained
First Week (January 18–24)
- First, second, and third rounds
- Maximum number of matches across all courts
- Ideal for fans wanting to see multiple players in one day
Middle Weekend (January 25–26)
- Fourth Round (Round of 16)
- Matches intensify as top seeds face tougher opponents
Final Week (January 27–February 1)
- Quarterfinals, Semifinals & Finals
- Fewer matches, bigger stakes
- Prime-time evening sessions dominate
Finals Schedule Highlights
- Women’s Singles Final: Saturday, January 31, 2026 – 7:30 PM
- Men’s Singles Final: Sunday, February 1, 2026 – 7:30 PM
These twilight finals are among the most-watched tennis matches globally, known for their electric atmosphere under the Melbourne lights.
Order of Play & Court Assignments
- Released one day before matches
- Includes player names, match sequence, and court allocation
- Available via official tournament channels and broadcasters
Fans attending the tournament should always check the daily order of play to plan their visit efficiently.
Tips for Fans Planning Their Australian Open Experience
- Day sessions: Best for watching multiple matches
- Night sessions: Feature marquee players and prime-time clashes
- Finals weekend: Book early—tickets sell out fast
- Weather-ready: Melbourne heat can be intense; hydration is key
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When does the 2026 Australian Open start?
The tournament begins on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Q2. When is the men’s final?
The men’s singles final will be played on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Q3. Are there night matches at the Australian Open?
Yes, the Australian Open is famous for its night sessions, starting around 7:00–7:30 PM.
Q4. Is the schedule final?
No. The schedule is provisional and subject to change due to weather or match length.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Australian Open once again promises two weeks of elite tennis, dramatic rivalries, and unforgettable moments. With a well-structured mix of day, night, and twilight sessions, fans have the flexibility to enjoy the tournament in their preferred way—whether live at Melbourne Park or from anywhere in the world.
If you’re planning your tennis calendar for 2026, the Australian Open is where it all begins.