The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of every season, and the 2026 edition promises another two weeks of high-energy tennis at Melbourne Park. Whether you’re planning a trip to Melbourne, following from home, or creating sports content for your readers, having a clear understanding of the full schedule is essential.
Below is a complete, polished guide to the 2026 Australian Open schedule, including daily session times, breakdown of tournament rounds, and helpful notes for fans, bettors, and bloggers.
📅 Tournament Dates
The 2026 Australian Open runs from January 18 to February 1, 2026, taking place across the famous courts of Melbourne Park — including Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena.
The tournament spans 15 days, starting with the opening round and closing with the men’s singles final on the last Sunday.
🎾 Daily Session Format
Each day follows a consistent structure so fans can easily plan their viewing or attendance:
Day Session
-
Starts around 11:00 AM (Melbourne time)
-
Features early-round matches across all main courts
-
Packed with singles, doubles, and mixed doubles action
Night Session
-
Begins around 7:00 PM (Melbourne time)
-
Usually showcases the headline matches of the day
-
Ideal slot for top-seeded singles players and marquee clashes
As the tournament progresses, some sessions may shift slightly, especially during semifinals and finals, but this is the general format used throughout the event.
🗓 Full Round-by-Round Schedule (Australian Open 2026)
Here’s the full breakdown of how the tournament will unfold:
Opening Rounds
-
First Round: January 18 – 20
-
Second Round: January 21 – 22
-
Third Round: January 23 – 24
-
Fourth Round: January 25 – 26
Quarterfinals
-
January 27 – 28
These two days feature both men’s and women’s quarterfinal action across day and night sessions.
Semifinals
-
Women’s Semifinals: January 29
-
Men’s Semifinals: January 30
These late-tournament matchups typically take center stage at Rod Laver Arena and attract massive global viewership.
Finals Weekend
-
Women’s Final: Saturday, January 31
-
Evening start time
-
-
Men’s Final: Sunday, February 1
-
Evening start time
-
The finals are some of the most electric nights of the entire sporting year, drawing millions of fans from around the world.
🕒 Time Zone Overview for International Fans
Melbourne operates on Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) during January.
If you’re watching from North America, keep in mind:
-
Eastern Time (ET): Melbourne is 16 hours ahead
-
Pacific Time (PT): Melbourne is 19 hours ahead
That means:
-
Day sessions in Melbourne are evening sessions in North America.
-
Night sessions in Melbourne happen early morning in North America.
This makes late-night viewing and early-morning highlights extremely popular for Canadian and U.S. audiences.
🎟 What to Expect During Each Stage of the Tournament
Early Rounds (Jan 18–22)
These first few days are packed with matches on every court. You’ll see rising stars, potential upsets, returning champions, and nonstop action from morning to night.
Middle Rounds (Jan 23–26)
Players settle into their form, and the fourth round usually brings some of the most competitive and unpredictable matches of the entire tournament.
Quarterfinals (Jan 27–28)
This is where the intensity spikes. The remaining players fight for a place in the final four, and the top courts become the center of global attention.
Semifinals (Jan 29–30)
Four players, two matches each day. The atmosphere in Rod Laver Arena reaches its peak as players battle for a shot at the title.
Finals (Jan 31 – Feb 1)
The women’s and men’s finals are played across back-to-back evenings. These are the two marquee events of the entire Australian Open — with massive crowds, worldwide viewership, and the ultimate Grand Slam glory on the line.
✨ Tips for Bettors & Live-Watching Fans
Whether you’re placing bets or planning to watch the Australian Open live from home, here are some smart and practical tips to help you enjoy the tournament even more.
For Bettors
-
Look for early-round upsets:
The opening rounds often deliver surprising results, especially when seeded players face in-form challengers. These matches can offer great value if you spot momentum early. -
Target night sessions for marquee matchups:
Night sessions typically feature top seeds and high-profile clashes. These matches are ideal for live betting because the pace is fast, and odds shift quickly based on momentum swings. -
Use semifinals and finals for safer, predictable betting:
As the tournament progresses, the level of play becomes more stable. Top players tend to perform more consistently, making late-stage matches great for confident bets or set-by-set wagers.
For Fans Watching Live
-
Take advantage of the time difference:
If you’re watching from North America, day sessions in Melbourne happen during your evening. It’s perfect for relaxing after work while catching hours of live tennis. -
Plan around night sessions for the biggest matches:
Melbourne’s night sessions land early in the morning in North America. If you enjoy high-stakes matches, set your alarm or watch replays — these are the tournament’s premium moments. -
Follow the key rounds closely:
The fourth round, quarterfinals, and semifinals deliver the most dramatic battles of the tournament. Even if you can’t watch every match, these rounds are the ones worth prioritizing.
For Fans Attending in Person
-
Day sessions give you access to multiple courts at once.
-
Night sessions offer the biggest matches and the best stadium atmosphere.
-
Finals weekend requires early planning — tickets sell out fast.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Australian Open schedule follows the classic two-week Grand Slam structure, delivering morning-to-night tennis action every single day. With clear round dates, predictable session times, and a packed finals weekend, this tournament is set to kick off the 2026 tennis season with style.
Whether you’re watching, betting, or creating content around the event, this schedule gives you everything you need to plan ahead and enjoy all the excitement that Melbourne Park has to offer.
