If you’re planning to head down to Melbourne Park, you’ve probably realized that the "start date" isn't as simple as one single square on the calendar. Most people look at the official Australian Open dates 2026 and see January 18. But honestly? If you wait until then, you’ve already missed a week of some of the most intense, high-stakes tennis on the planet.
The 2026 tournament actually kicks off its "Opening Week" on Monday, January 12. This is the qualifying rounds—what I like to call the "hunger games" of tennis. It’s where players ranked outside the top 100 fight for a spot in the main draw. The atmosphere is different; it's raw, it's loud, and it’s basically the best value for money you’ll get all year.
The main draw schedule you actually need
The big show—the Main Draw—officially runs from Sunday, January 18 to Sunday, February 1, 2026. Tennis Australia stuck with the Sunday start again this year, a move they made recently to help spread out the first-round matches and keep the players from finishing at 4:00 AM. It sorta works, though Melbourne’s weather always has its own plans.
Here is how the 2026 rounds are actually laid out:
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The first three days, January 18 to January 20, are dedicated to the First Round. This is chaos in the best way. There are matches happening on every single court. If you have a ground pass, you can basically wander into John Cain Arena and see a top-20 player from five rows back.
By January 21 and 22, we move into the Second Round. This is where the seeds start to feel the pressure. Then we hit the Third Round on January 23 and 24. Usually, this is when you see the "giant killers" emerge—those unseeded players who suddenly find the form of their lives.
The business end of the tournament
Once we hit the second week, the schedule tightens up significantly.
- Fourth Round: January 25–26.
- Quarter-finals: January 27–28.
- Women’s Semi-finals: Thursday, January 29.
- Men’s Semi-finals: Friday, January 30.
- Women’s Final: Saturday, January 31.
- Men’s Final: Sunday, February 1.
The men's final is always the "Super Bowl" moment of the Happy Slam. It’s scheduled for a 7:30 PM (AEDT) start on that final Sunday.
What’s different about the 2026 dates?
You might have heard about the record-breaking prize pool this year. We’re talking $111.5 million. That’s a massive 16% jump from last year. Why does this matter for the schedule? Because it has changed how players approach the qualifying week. Since the "Q1" (first round of qualifying) losers now take home over $40,000, the level of competition in that first week (Jan 12–15) has skyrocketed.
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Also, keep an eye on the "1 Point Slam." It’s this wild amateur event they’re running alongside the pros in the opening week. In 2026, an amateur named Jordan Smith actually walked away with a million bucks just for winning a single point repeatedly. It’s quirky, it’s very "Melbourne," and it’s happening right in the middle of the qualifying dates.
Timing your visit: Day vs. Night sessions
If you’re looking at these Australian Open dates 2026 and trying to book tickets, you have to choose between Day and Night sessions. This is where people get tripped up.
Day sessions usually start at 11:00 AM. If it’s a 40°C day in Melbourne, those sessions are a test of endurance for both the players and the fans. Night sessions start at 7:00 PM. The vibe is electric, the lights are on, and the "Big Three" arenas (Rod Laver, Margaret Court, and John Cain) become pressure cookers.
Wait. There’s a catch.
If a day session match goes long—like a five-set marathon—the night session might not start until 8:30 or 9:00 PM. I’ve seen fans waiting outside the gates of Rod Laver Arena for hours because the morning match just wouldn't end. It's part of the drama, but it's something you’ve gotta be prepared for.
Key dates for the "other" draws
Tennis isn't just the singles stars. The 2026 schedule for the rest of the pack looks like this:
- Doubles: Starts around January 20 and runs through the final weekend.
- Junior Championships: These kids are the future, and they play from January 24 to February 1.
- Wheelchair Events: Some of the most incredible athleticism you’ll ever see. They take over the courts from January 27 to January 31.
Getting your logistics sorted
If you're coming from overseas or interstate, don't just book for the final. The best "bang for your buck" is usually the middle of the first week (around Wednesday, Jan 21). You get to see the stars in the second round, the crowds are manageable, and you can still get into the outside courts without a 3-hour wait.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Official App: The daily "Order of Play" isn't released until the evening before. Download the AO app now so you can see exactly who is playing on which court the night before you go.
- Secure a Ground Pass for Opening Week: If you’re on a budget, buy tickets for January 12–17. You’ll see world-class tennis for a fraction of the price of a stadium seat.
- Watch the Weather: Melbourne can go from rain to a heatwave in three hours. Check the "Heat Stress Scale" on the official site; if it hits 5, play on outside courts will be suspended, and the roofs on the big arenas will close.
The Australian Open dates 2026 offer a two-week window (actually three, if you're smart) of the highest level of sport. Just remember that the schedule is a living document—be ready to pivot when a match goes to a fifth-set tiebreak at midnight.