The Australian Open 2026 is poised to kick off the tennis season as the first Grand Slam of the year, bringing together the world’s top tennis stars and rising talents on the hard courts of Melbourne. Traditionally known as the “Happy Slam,” this major event not only tests athletic excellence but also celebrates the sport’s rich history and global appeal. The 2026 edition will run from January 12 through February 1, 2026, providing three weeks of thrilling competition on the iconic courts of Melbourne Park.
A star-studded opening: Federer headlining the inaugural ceremony
In a first for the tournament’s long history, the Australian Open will feature an official Opening Ceremony, a new tradition designed to honour the sport and its champions. This inaugural ceremony will be highlighted by the presence of tennis legend Roger Federer, one of the most successful and beloved figures in the sport’s history.
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion and six-time Australian Open winner, will return to Melbourne not as a competitor but as a guest of honour and participant in an exhibition match alongside fellow former World No. 1s. At 44 years old, Federer’s participation marks a rare on-court appearance since his retirement from professional tennis, delighting fans and adding special significance to the event. His presence at the ceremony underscores both his lasting legacy and the tournament’s celebration of tennis’ greatest figures. This ceremony, set for the evening before the main draw begins, will elevate the build-up to the Grand Slam, offering fans a unique blend of sport and spectacle.
This tournament will undoubtedly also be marked by the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry, which is set to continue for years to come and will continue to thrill fans in 2026, with the outcome always uncertain. For those who still want to bet on one of the two champions, you can take advantage of the latest bet365 promo to minimize any losses.
Tournament calendar and draw details
Although the official main draw action at Melbourne Park runs from January 18 to February 1, 2026, the event’s qualifying rounds begin earlier, typically around mid-January. The Australian Open features a 128-player singles draw for both men’s and women’s competition, along with doubles, mixed doubles, and events for juniors and wheelchair athletes.
Players compete over two intense weeks on the medium-speed GreenSet hard courts, advancing through first rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately finals scheduled for the last weekend of January and the first day of February.
The tournament is known for its demanding schedule, often featuring day and night sessions under the Rod Laver Arena’s retractable roof. Fans can expect high-profile clashes early in the event, with seeded stars battling qualifiers and wildcards for a place in the later rounds. Qualifying matches take place roughly a week before the main draw, determining the final slots in the highly competitive 128-player field.
Statistics and honour roll: Legacy of Champions
The Australian Open boasts a storied history dating back to its inception in 1905 and has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments. It traditionally attracts record crowds and features competitors across all levels, from seasoned Grand Slam champions to emerging young talents. In the past decade, Italian star Jannik Sinner has made headlines by claiming back-to-back Australian Open singles titles in 2024 and 2025, underscoring his hard-court prowess.
Historically, Novak Djokovic holds the record for the most men’s singles titles in the Open Era at the Australian Open, with ten victories to his name. On the women’s side, Serena Williams leads with seven titles. The tournament’s honour roll features an illustrious list of champions from around the world, reflecting over a century of elite competition and unforgettable matches at Melbourne Park.
