Australian Open 2026: Dates, Schedule, Prize Money, Key Players

The Australian Open 2026 will open the Grand Slam season, bringing the stars of the world to Melbourne Park for two weeks of high-intense competition. Expect fast courts, big storylines, and record prize money with defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys preparing to defend their titles.

Tournament Dates and Full Schedule

The buildup for the tournament begins with qualifying rounds for players on Monday, January 12, wherein they will fight it out for the few spots remaining in the main singles draw.

The main draw starts on Sunday, January 18, and runs until the women's final on January 31, and men's final on February 1. The official draw ceremony is set for Thursday, January 15, which will finalize the path for 128 contestants in the men's and women's singles fields.

Main Draw Schedule

Besides singles, doubles, mixed doubles, wheelchair, and junior matches will also be held for fans to watch, truly making this one of the most diverse tennis events on the global market.

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Venue, Court Surface, and Format

Since 1988, the Australian Open has taken place at Melbourne Park, a contemporary facility consisting of three main arenas:

The courts are a hard-court surface, which favors fast-paced baseline play and big hitting-on the typical Grand Slam rules of best of five sets in men's singles and best of three sets in women's singles.

Men's Singles Field Top Contenters

The men's draw has a star-studded cast made up of defending champions, hard-court specialists, and future stars.

The favorites to claim the title include:

1. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
2. Jannik Sinner (ITA)
3. Alexander Zverev (GER)
4. Novak Djokovic (SRB)
5. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)

Defending champion Jannik Sinner falls as one of the top favorites after lifting the trophy in both 2024 and 2025. If he achieves it, he will join elite company by winning the title for the third time in a row.

Where Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are major threats at the Melbourne Park. The champion time and again knows the courts more than anyone, while Alcaraz shows he is continuing to grow into a force in Grand Slam tennis.

Women's Singles Field Glistened With Talent

The women's draw stands to be the most unpredictable and exciting as several contenders could be lucky enough to lift the trophy.

Key Contenders Include:

1. Aryna Sabalenka
2. Iga Swiatek (POL)
3. Coco Gauff (USA)
4. Amanda Anisimova (USA)
5. Elena Rybakina (KAZ)

The defending champ, Madison Keys, makes her return in hopes of replicating last year's brilliant run. However, she faces competition with hard hitters like Sabalenka, the former world No. 1 Swiatek, and US Open champ Gauff. Many experts claim that this could be among the most open women's fields in years.

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Record Prize Money Announced for 2026 Edition

Tennis Australia has confirmed the prize wallet to have been greatly increased to a whopping $74.9 million USD (approx.), which reflects about a 16% rise from last year.

Prize Money Breakdown (Approx. USD)

The financial leap marks the Australian Open's status as one of the fastest-growing sporting events in the world.

Conclusion

With a strong display of returning champions, newfound excitement, and record prize money, the Australian Open 2026 Lights up the Tennis Year in what promises to be an epic start. As Melbourne Park prepares to welcome the players and fans, the world will, once again, turn its focus to the courts for two weeks of world-class action.