The tennis season explodes back into life as the Australian Open 2026 gets underway in Melbourne, marking the first grand slam of the year. Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys return to the hard courts with targets on their backs, while a new generation of stars aims to etch their names into history.
How to Watch the Australian Open in the UK and US
For fans in the United Kingdom, comprehensive live coverage of the tournament will be broadcast on TNT Sports. Every match can also be streamed live via the Discovery+ platform. Viewers in the United States can tune in to ESPN and the Tennis Channel for all the action from Melbourne Park.
Key Storylines and Players to Watch
All eyes will be on men's defending champion Jannik Sinner, who has the chance to achieve a rare feat. If he triumphs, he will become only the second man in the Open era after Novak Djokovic to win three consecutive Australian Open singles titles.
The women's draw sees world number one Aryna Sabalenka determined to reclaim the trophy after Madison Keys ended her bid for a hat-trick in a thrilling final last year.
History could be made by two young stars. Both Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek arrive in Melbourne with the opportunity to complete the career grand slam, needing only the Australian Open title to secure all four major championships. A victory for Alcaraz would see the 22-year-old become the youngest man ever to achieve the career slam.
After contesting finals at the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open last season, the tennis world is eagerly awaiting a first major final showdown in Melbourne between Alcaraz and Sinner.
Tournament Schedule and Record Prize Fund
The main draw action commences on Sunday 18 January 2026. The tournament culminates in finals weekend, with the champions being crowned on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February.
This year's event boasts the largest purse in its history, with the total prize fund increased by 16 per cent to a staggering £55.4 million. The two singles champions will each receive a winner's cheque for £2.1 million, a significant rise from the £1.7 million awarded in 2025.
With massive financial rewards, historic milestones on the line, and the world's best players competing, the 2026 Australian Open promises to be an unmissable spectacle for tennis fans globally.
