The first Grand Slam of the year bursts into life this Sunday as the Australian Open gets underway in Melbourne, with top seeds and returning legends set to light up the courts on a blockbuster opening day.
Star Power and Historic Returns Headline Day One
World number one Carlos Alcaraz begins his quest for a maiden Australian Open title and a shot at becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam. The Spanish sensation opens his campaign against local hopeful Adam Walton on Rod Laver Arena. Meanwhile, women's top seed Aryna Sabalenka is determined to reclaim the crown she lost last year, starting against France's Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
In a truly historic moment, Venus Williams will become the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw after accepting a wildcard at the age of 45. The seven-time major champion faces Olga Danilovic in her first match at the tournament in five years.
British Interest and Key Matches to Watch
Britain's Emma Raducanu, potentially on a collision course with Sabalenka in later rounds, begins against Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Margaret Court Arena. Another Briton, qualifier Arthur Fery, has a tough first-round assignment against the Italian 20th seed, Flavio Cobolli, on John Cain Arena.
The day's schedule is packed with talent across all courts. Other notable matches include Alexander Zverev versus Gabriel Diallo, and Frances Tiafoe taking on Australian Jason Kubler.
Full Tournament Schedule and Path to the Finals
The opening day features 16 men's and 16 women's singles first-round matches. The first round continues through Monday and Tuesday, with the second round commencing on Wednesday 21st January. The tournament builds towards the women's final on Saturday 31st January and the men's final on Sunday 1st February.
Key dates for the diary include:
- Quarter-finals: Tuesday 27th & Wednesday 28th January
- Women's Semi-finals: Thursday 29th January
- Men's Semi-finals & Mixed Doubles Final: Friday 30th January
- Women's Singles Final: Saturday 31st January
- Men's Singles Final: Sunday 1st February
With a thrilling two weeks of world-class tennis ahead, the action begins at Melbourne Park with a day featuring the sport's biggest current stars and one of its most celebrated legends writing another chapter in her remarkable career.
