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The 2026 tennis season is underway as the world's best players head to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz continues his quest to win the one grand slam that's so far evaded him, but faces tough competition from rival Jannik Sinner once more.
On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka is bidding for a third title in four years following a shock defeat to Madison Keys in the final last year.
The Sporting News is on hand to bring you all you need to know to ensure you don't miss a minute of the action.
When is Australian Open 2026?
The 2026 Australian Open first round begins on Sunday, January 18 (local time), and runs through until Sunday, February 1 (local time) – culminating with the men's singles final.
How to watch Australian Open 2026 in US: TV channel, live stream
TV channel: ESPN, ESPN 2, Tennis Channel
Live stream: ESPN App, ESPN+, Fubo
ESPN is the main broadcaster for the 2026 Australian Open with coverage on ESPN and ESPN 2, while the Tennis Channel will also be providing feeds.
Every match from all 15 courts streams on the ESPN App with subscribers able to access multiview on mobile and connected TV devices to watch up to four matches simultaneously.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the new ESPN app.
ESPN's network of channels, as well as the Tennis Channel, are available to stream on Fubo with a FREE trial being offered to new subscribers.
Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Australian Open 2026 schedule
The first round of matches begins Sunday, January 18 (local time).
With Melbourne 16 hours ahead of the U.S. ET, day matches will be presented on ESPN networks around 8 p.m. ET and local night session matches will begin at 3 a.m. ET.
| Date | Events |
| Sunday, January 18 | Men's & Women's 1st Round |
| Monday, January 19 | Men's & Women's 1st Round |
| Tuesday, January 20 | Men's & Women's 1st Round |
| Wednesday, January 21 | Men's & Women's 2nd Round |
| Thursday, January 22 | Men's & Women's 2nd Round |
| Friday, January 23 | Men's & Women's 3rd Round |
| Saturday, January 24 | Men's & Women's 3rd Round |
| Sunday, January 25 | Men's & Women's 4th Round |
| Monday, January 26 | Men's & Women's 4th Round |
| Tuesday, January 27 | Men's & Women's Quarterfinals |
| Wednesday, January 28 | Men's & Women's Quarterfinals |
| Thursday, January 29 | Women's Semifinals |
| Friday, January 30 | Men's Semifinals |
| Saturday, January 31 | Women's Singles Final, Men's & Women's Doubles Final |
| Sunday, February 1 | Men's Singles Final |
Australian Open 2026 prize money
The total prize money up for grabs at the Australian Open is AUD $111.5 million, up nearly 16 per cent on 2025, with the singles winner set to pocket AUD $4.15 million. Here's the complete breakdown of the singles prize money:
- Winner: AUD $4,150,000 ($2.79m)
- Finals: AUD $2,150,000 ($1.45m)
- Semifinals: AUD $1,250,000 ($840k)
- Quarterfinals: AUD $750,000 ($500k)
- Round of 16: AUD $480,000 ($320k)
- Round of 32: AUD $327,750 ($220k)
- Round of 64: AUD $225,000 ($150k)
- Round of 128: AUD $150,000 ($100k)
English (US)