The 114th edition of the Australian Open is scheduled to commence this month, featuring top tennis players competing on the blue courts in Melbourne. The prize pool for this year's tournament is $111.5 million, marking a 16 percent increase from 2025 and setting a new record for the event.
Tournament Schedule and Venue
The main draw for the Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 18. Gates will open at 10am AEDT for the morning session and 5pm AEDT for the evening session. Matches will be held across 39 courts at Melbourne Park, including Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena, and Margaret Court.
Finals Dates
- The women's final is scheduled for Saturday, January 31.
- The men's final will take place on Sunday, February 1.
- Both singles finals will be hosted at Rod Laver Arena.
Prize Money Details
- Total Prize Pool: $111.5 million.
- Men's and Women's Singles Champions: $4.15 million each.
- Men's and Women's Singles Runners-up: $2.15 million each.
How to Watch
- Television: Channel 9 is the host broadcaster.
- Streaming: Coverage of all courts is available on 9NOW and Stan Sport.
- Radio: ABC Grandstand will provide commentary via the Listen app and abc.net.au/sport.
- Online: ABC Sport digital will offer live blogging of the event.
Official Draw
The official Australian Open draw is scheduled for 2:30pm AEDT on Thursday, January 15. ABC Sport will provide a live blog of the draw.
Reigning Champions (2025)
- Women's Singles: American Madison Keys, currently ranked seventh in the WTA, won the title after defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
- Men's Singles: Current world number two Jannik Sinner secured the trophy after a three-set match against Alexander Zverev.
Australian Players in the Main Draw
Australian players participating in the main draw include:
Men's Singles
- Alex de Minaur (World No. 6)
- Alexei Popyrin (World No. 49)
- Aleksandar Vukic (World No. 87)
- Adam Walton (World No. 79)
- Thanasi Kokkinakis (Protected Ranking of 84)
- Tristan Schoolkate (World No. 97)
- James Duckworth (Wildcard)
- Rinky Hijikata (Wildcard)
- Jordan Thompson (Wildcard)
- Chris O'Connell (Wildcard)
Women's Singles
- Maya Joint (World No. 32, seeded 30th)
- Daria Kasatkina (World No. 48, competing under the Australian flag)
- Ajla Tomljanovic (World No. 76)
- Kimberley Birrell (World No. 107)
- Priscilla Hon (World No. 121)
- Talia Gibson (Wildcard)
- Emerson Jones (Wildcard)
- Taylah Preston (Wildcard)
Other Australian players are currently competing in qualifying rounds for a spot in the main draw.
Top Women to Watch
- Aryna Sabalenka: Two-time defending Australian Open champion, current US Open winner, recently secured the Brisbane International title.
- Iga ÅšwiÄ…tek: World number two, with recent concerns regarding her fitness and form.
- Belinda Bencic: World number 10, achieved a 5-0 singles record at the United Cup (MVP); has not advanced past the fourth round at the Australian Open.
- Madison Keys: Reigning Australian Open champion, ranked ninth.
- Elena Rybakina: Winner of the 2025 WTA Finals.
- Amanda Anisimova: Competed in two Grand Slam finals in 2025 (Wimbledon and US Open).
- Other top ten seeds: Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, and Mirra Andreeva.
Top Men to Watch
- Jannik Sinner: Current world number two, aiming for his third consecutive Australian Open title and fifth Grand Slam title.
- Carlos Alcaraz: World number one, has not progressed beyond the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park.
- Novak Djokovic: World number four, holds a record 10 men's Australian Open titles; participation is subject to fitness, following withdrawal from the Adelaide International.
- Daniil Medvedev: Two-time Australian Open finalist, recently won the Brisbane International.
- Felix Auger-Aliassime: A potential challenger after a strong year on tour.
- Other top ten players: Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Alex de Minaur.