Australian Open 2026: Schedule, Dates, Prize Money & TV Channels
The First Grand Slam of 2026 is Here – Everything You Need to Know
The tennis world is turning its eyes to Melbourne as the Australian Open 2026 is set to kick off the new season with a bang. With defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka looking to retain their crowns, interest is at an all-time high. Whether you are searching for the Australian Open 2026 schedule, ticket information, or live streaming channels, this guide covers every detail for fans in the USA, UK, India, and Australia.
Australian Open 2026 Dates & Schedule
The tournament officially runs from January 18 to February 1, 2026. Mark these key dates in your calendar to catch the biggest matches.
| Round | Date |
| Qualifying | January 12 – January 16 |
| Main Draw Starts | Sunday, January 18 |
| Quarter-finals | January 27 – January 28 |
| Women’s Singles Final | Saturday, January 31 |
| Men’s Singles Final | Sunday, February 1 |
Note: The “Sunday Start” introduced recently continues in 2026 to reduce late-night finishes.
Australian Open 2026 Prize Money: A Record-Breaking Pot?
One of the most searched topics is the Australian Open prize money. While the official 2026 breakdown is pending, the total prize pool is expected to exceed A$87 Million (approx. USD 58 Million), continuing the trend of increasing payouts.
- Winner’s Share: The singles champions are expected to take home over A$3.2 Million each.
- First Round: Even players who exit in the first round will likely receive a paycheck of around A$120,000, making it one of the most lucrative events in sports.
Where to Watch Australian Open 2026 (TV & Live Stream)
Broadcasting rights vary by region. Here is the official list of TV channels and streaming apps:
- 🇺🇸 USA: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+ (Streaming).
- 🇬🇧 UK & Europe: Eurosport and Discovery+ App.
- 🇦🇺 Australia: Channel 9 and 9Now (Free-to-air).
- 🇮🇳 India: Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV App.
- Rest of World: Check local listings for beIN Sports or SuperTennis.
Top Contenders: Who Will Win the “Happy Slam”?
- Novak Djokovic: Can the 10-time champion defy age and claim another title in his favorite arena?
- Carlos Alcaraz: The young Spaniard is hungry for his first Australian Open trophy.
- Iga Swiatek: After dominating clay, she is eyeing the hard courts of Melbourne.
- Local Hope: All eyes will be on Alex de Minaur to see if he can make a deep run for the home crowd.
