The first Grand Slam of the year, the 2026 Australian Open, is set to be a blockbuster tournament to kick off 2026, with hard-fought, competitive, and drama-filled matches unfolding under the hot Melbourne sun. The prize pool for this prestigious tournament is bigger than ever, with the total prize pool having increased to A$111.5 million, and the two singles champions set to receive $4.15 million each.
Check out our preview of the tournament:
Defending Champions under pressure
Both the men’s and the Women’s defending champions will face fierce competition. Women’s defending champion Madison Keys will face threats from players such as World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Americans Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova and Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina.
The biggest threat to 2-time defending champion Jannik Sinner will be his greatest rival, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, as the two players have competed in the last 3 Grand Slam finals. Sinner will also have to be wary of 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, who at nearly 39 years of age will aim to become the first player to win 25 Grand Slam tournaments.
Tournament Schedule Men’s and Women’s Singles
- January 18–20: First Round
- January 21–22: Second Round
- January 23–24: Third Round
- January 25–26: Fourth Round
- January 27–28: Quarterfinals
- January 29: Women’s Semi-finals
- January 30: Men’s Semi-finals
- January 31: Women’s Singles Final (Night session)
- February 1: Men’s Singles Final (Night session)
Key Storylines and Players to Watch
Career Grand Slam Chases
Alcaraz and World No. 2 Iga Świątek are both one title away from completing a Career Grand Slam. Alcaraz would become the youngest man to achieve the feat with a victory in Melbourne.
Sinner’s Three-peat Bid
Jannik Sinner is aiming for a historic third consecutive Australian Open title, a feat achieved only by Novak Djokovic in the Open Era.
Djokovic’s Quest for 25
Ten-time champion Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at age 38, despite minor neck injury concerns leading into the event.
Alcaraz's New Coaching Era
This marks the first major for Alcaraz since his split with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in December 2025; he is now guided by Samuel "Samu" López.
Top Seeds & Betting Favourites
|
Event |
Top Seed |
Second Seed |
Betting Favourite (Odds) |
|
Men's Singles |
Carlos Alcaraz |
Jannik Sinner |
Jannik Sinner (-120 to -125) |
|
Women's Singles |
Aryna Sabalenka |
Iga Świątek |
Aryna Sabalenka (+180 to +185) |
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Get Your Tennis On
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