Australian Open 2026 Live Streaming, Schedule and Seedings: All You Need to Know

The Australian Open 2026, the first Grand Slam of the tennis season, gets underway in Melbourne this week, with the world's top players set to compete at Melbourne Park. As always, the tournament sets the tone for the year ahead, combining high-stakes tennis, record prize money and a packed schedule across two weeks in January.

Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys return after lifting the men's and women's singles titles in 2025, while world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz headline the seedings this year.

Below is a complete guide covering schedule, live streaming details, seedings and key tournament information.

When does the Australian Open 2026 begin?

Singles main-draw action at the Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 18, with matches starting at 11:00 AM

local time across the Melbourne Park precinct. The first match on Rod Laver Arena is scheduled for 11:30 AM local time.

The tournament runs until February 1, when the men's singles final will be played.

Where is the Australian Open 2026 being held?

The Australian Open is played at Melbourne Park, an outdoor hard-court venue located near the Yarra River in downtown Melbourne. Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena are all equipped with retractable roofs.

Who are the top seeds and favourites at Australian Open 2026?

Sabalenka enters the tournament as the top seed in women's singles, while Alcaraz leads the men's draw. According to betting markets, Sabalenka is the favourite for the women's title, ahead of Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.

On the men's side, Sinner is the favourite to win a third consecutive Australian Open, followed closely by Alcaraz, with Novak Djokovic among the leading contenders.

What is the full Australian Open 2026 schedule?

Jan 18-20: First Round (Men & Women)

Jan 21-22: Second Round

Jan 23-24: Third Round

Jan 25-26: Fourth Round

Jan 27-28: Quarterfinals

Jan 29: Women's Semifinals

Jan 30: Men's Semifinals

Jan 31: Women's Final

Feb 1: Men's Final

How to watch Australian Open 2026 live on TV and online?

In India, the Australian Open 2026 will be televised live on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on the SonyLIV app and website.

What's new at the Australian Open in 2026?

This year sees the expansion of the tournament's "opening week", with Melbourne Park opening to fans from the start of qualifying. Open practice sessions, nightly live music, and the expanded 1 Point Slam, offering AUD 1 million in prize money, are part of the fan experience.

Prize money has also increased by 16% to a record AUD 111.5 million, with singles champions earning AUD 4.15 million each.

As the season's first major, the Australian Open once again promises a mix of elite competition and evolving storylines both on and off the court.