If you’re planning your Australian Open day around one player or match, the order of play is the detail to check—not just the tournament draw. It tells you which matches are scheduled, on which court and in what sequence. The catch is that tennis schedules are estimates: a long match, rain or a roof closure can shift the rest of the day.
As of October 3, 2026, the daily order of play for the next Australian Open has not been published. It is released during the tournament, one day at a time. For the latest listing, check the official Australian Open website or app and look for “Order of Play.”
What the order of play tells you
The order of play is the tournament’s daily match schedule. It lists the court, the players and the planned start time or running order for each match. It is different from the draw, which shows who could play whom as the tournament progresses, and from live scores, which report matches already under way.
Early in the tournament, there are matches across many courts, including the main arenas and the outside courts. Later, as the draw narrows, the schedule concentrates on fewer courts and bigger matchups. A listing might show a singles match at 11 a.m., followed by another match “not before” 1 p.m. The second time is a guide, not a promise: it means the match should not start earlier, but it may begin later if the match before it runs long.
Where and when to check
Use the official Australian Open order-of-play page or app for the current day’s schedule. Check the date carefully; a page for yesterday can still be useful for results, but it will not tell you today’s court assignments. Tournament schedules are generally published close to the day of play, so a draw or session ticket issued months ahead is not a substitute for the daily listing.
Melbourne is on Australian Eastern Daylight Time in January (AEDT, UTC+11). If you are following from overseas, convert the listed times to your own time zone. Be especially careful when a match starts near midnight in your location: it may be taking place the following calendar day in Melbourne.
For the most reliable update, check again on the morning of play and keep notifications or live scores handy. The schedule can change when weather, a medical timeout, a retirement or a long match affects the running order. A roof can keep play going on a covered court, but it does not prevent delays on uncovered courts.
How to read session times and court listings
On the main arenas, the day is often divided into day and night sessions. A session ticket gives you access to the matches allocated to that session on that court, subject to the ticket terms. A night session may have one match or more than one, and the first match is not necessarily the only one worth watching. On outside courts, several matches may run in sequence without a separate day-and-night division.
| Schedule wording | What it means | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| 11 a.m. | Scheduled start time for the first match listed in that slot. | Arrive early if you want to see the warm-up and opening games. |
| Not before 1 p.m. | The match is not due to begin before that time. | It may start later if the preceding match is still being played. |
| Followed by | The next match is scheduled after the one ahead of it. | There may be no precise start time; allow for a match of unpredictable length. |
| Night session | A match or group of matches assigned to the evening session on a show court. | Check the ticket and daily listing for the session’s first match and entry details. |
The order of matches is not a ranking of importance. A top seed might play first in the day, while a compelling matchup between lower-ranked players lands on a smaller court. The tournament balances court availability, broadcast needs, player rest and other practical considerations. The schedule is useful for planning, but it is not a promise that a particular player will appear at a particular time.
Planning a day at Melbourne Park
If a match is your priority, plan around the court as well as the player. A ticket for a specific arena does not automatically mean you can move into every other show court. Grounds-pass access and arena-ticket access differ, so check the conditions attached to your ticket before setting out. Outside-court matches can be a great way to see players up close, but the most popular courts may fill quickly.
Give yourself a buffer before the match you most want to see. If it is listed third on an outside court, the first two matches could finish quickly—or take several hours. That uncertainty is part of the appeal of live tennis, but it makes tight plans risky. Keep water, sun protection and comfortable shoes in mind; Melbourne’s summer conditions can change quickly, and you may spend more time walking or waiting than expected.
For a television or streaming plan, check the broadcaster’s local coverage as well as the order of play. The schedule shows where and when a match is planned, but coverage can be split among channels or platforms. Live scores are a useful backup if the broadcast switches courts.
Why the schedule can change
Weather is the obvious cause, particularly on uncovered courts, but it is not the only one. A three-set match can be over quickly or stretch deep into the afternoon; men’s singles matches are best of five sets, so their duration is especially hard to predict. A match may also be delayed by a preceding contest, a player’s withdrawal or a change to the court program.
These shifts can create a knock-on effect. If one match runs long, later matches on that court are pushed back. If play is suspended, the tournament may move or reschedule a match, depending on court availability and the stage of the event. That is why the official listing and live updates matter more than an old screenshot or a time copied from a preview.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Australian Open order of play released?
The daily schedule is released during the tournament, close to the day the matches are played. It is not the same as the draw, which is available earlier and shows the tournament’s possible matchups.
Are Australian Open match times exact?
No. A stated time is a planned start, while “not before” sets the earliest expected start. Matches can begin later because of long preceding contests, weather or other delays.
What time zone does the order of play use?
It uses Melbourne local time. In January, Melbourne observes Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), which is UTC+11. Convert the time if you are following from another country.
Can I see a player with a grounds pass?
A grounds pass may provide access to designated outside courts, but access to show courts is governed by ticket rules and availability. Check the conditions for your ticket and the day’s court schedule before you go.
Final Thoughts
The best way to use the Australian Open order of play is to treat it as a live plan, not a fixed timetable. Check the official listing for the right day, note the court and session, and leave room for delays. If you are travelling to Melbourne Park, build your day around the match you care about while staying flexible enough to enjoy the tennis that happens before it.
