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.
AllSportsPeople 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 UK: TV channel, live stream
TV channel: TNT Sports
Live stream: Discovery+
TNT Sports is the home of tennis for the Australian Open this year.
Coverage will mostly be shown on TNT Sports 3 and 4 TV channels while its streaming service Discovery+ is the place to go for options to select which match you desire each day.
Australian Open 2026 schedule
The first round of matches begins Sunday, January 18 (local time).
With Melbourne 11 hours ahead of the UK, day matches will begin at 1 a.m. GMT on show courts and local night session matches will start at 8 a.m. GMT.
| 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 (£2.07m)
- Finals: AUD $2,150,000 (£1.07m)
- Semifinals: AUD $1,250,000 (£620k)
- Quarterfinals: AUD $750,000 (£373k)
- Round of 16: AUD $480,000 (£239k)
- Round of 32: AUD $327,750 (£163k)
- Round of 64: AUD $225,000 (£112k)
- Round of 128: AUD $150,000 (£75k)