The season-opening Slam, the Australian Open, began at Melbourne Park on Sunday, January 18 and will go on till Sunday, February 1, in what will be a two-week-long tennis extravaganza. With a star-studded field, the tournament is all set to deliver blockbuster moments and high-stakes clashes.
The season’s first Grand Slam is expected to break opening-week attendance records, as per reports, and will show a galaxy of superstars. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are all set to headline the men’s draw, while Aryna Sabalenka will be the focal point in the women’s singles.
The rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner is expected to intensify this year, with the former issuing a rallying cry ahead of the tournament as he targets the Australian Open title
to complete his Career Grand Slam.
Last year’s runner-up, Alexander Zverev, and 45-year-old Venus Williams, who is all set to become the oldest woman to compete at the tournament, are also part of the field. Germany’s third-ranked Zverev, defeated by Sinner in last year’s final, opens his campaign against Canada’s Gabriel Diallo.
Italy’s world number seven Jasmine Paolini starts the centre court action against Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus.
Next up on Rod Laver Arena is Sabalenka, who is aiming to win a third Melbourne crown in four years.
Australian Open 2026 Start Date: When Does the Tournament Begin?
Matches at the Australian Open 2026 got underway at 5:30 am IST, with the final match of the day slated for a 2:40 pm IST start.
Australian Open 2026 Venue: Where Will the Tournament Be Played?
The Australian Open 2026 is being held at Melbourne Park, with most marquee matches scheduled across Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Show Court Arena.
Australian Open 2026 Live Telecast in India: TV Channels & Coverage Details
Australian Open 2026 matches are being broadcast live in India across Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 3 (Hindi), Sony Ten 3 HD (Hindi), Sony Ten 4 (Tamil), Sony Ten 4 (Telugu) and Sony Ten 4 HD. Australian Open 2026 matches are also being streamed live on the SonyLIV app and website.
