Who’s Playing at the Australian Open 2026? Dates, Tickets & More

Quick Summary

What is the Australian Open 2026?

The Australian Open 2026 is the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, played on blue GreenSet hard courts at Melbourne Park. It will feature men’s and women’s singles, doubles, mixed doubles, juniors, and wheelchair tennis.

AO26 is not just a tennis tournament. It’s a Melbourne summer festival. Alongside the matches, fans can enjoy live music, pop-up restaurants, family zones, and interactive fan areas.

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When is the Australian Open 2026?

The Australian Open 2026 runs from 12 January to 1 February 2026.

• Opening Week: 12–17 January – practice, qualifying, and entertainment.
• Main Draw: 18 January – 1 February – full tournament schedule.
• Finals Weekend: 25–26 January (Australia Day long weekend).
• Men’s Final: Sunday, 1 February 2026.

This timing makes the AO a cornerstone of Melbourne’s summer, with finals falling on Australia’s biggest public holiday.

Who is expected to play the Australian Open 2026?

The AO26 is expected to feature a mix of legends and rising stars.

• Men’s field: Novak Djokovic (10-time AO champion), Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and home favourite Alex de Minaur.
• Women’s field: Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka (expected return), and Australia’s Ajla Tomljanović.

These are projections based on player form and history. Official entry lists will be confirmed later in 2025.

Where is the Australian Open 2026 played?

AO26 will be held at Melbourne Park, a world-class venue with retractable roofs and multiple arenas:

• Rod Laver Arena – centre court, finals, and night sessions.
• Margaret Court Arena – intimate seating, covered.
• John Cain Arena – lively atmosphere and major upsets.
• Show courts & practice courts – accessible with Ground Passes.

The location sits beside the Yarra River, the MCG, and within walking distance of Federation Square and Southbank’s dining precinct.

How much will Australian Open 2026 tickets cost?

Ticket prices for AO26 have not been officially released, but Ground Passes are expected to start around $65–$70, with finals tickets exceeding $500. Pre-sale windows include:

• Accessibility Pre-Sale: 15–19 September 2025.
• Mastercard Pre-Sale: 24–25 September 2025 (Mastercard required).
• AO Extras + Tennis Community Pre-Sale: 25 September – 6 October 2025.

Accessible seating will be available in dedicated bays for wheelchair users, low-mobility fans, blind or low-vision fans, and those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

How do you get to the Australian Open 2026?

Melbourne Park is one of the easiest Grand Slam venues to reach.

• Free trams from Flinders Street Station.
• The train stops at Richmond and Jolimont Stations.
• Walking path via Birrarung Marr along the Yarra.
• River ferries from Southbank to Melbourne Park.

Trust me, public transport is the best way to get to the Australian Open. If you do plan to drive, make sure you book a car park in advance because spaces around Melbourne Park fill up quickly.

When we take the car, we usually park in a paid car park near Flinders Street and then hop on the free tram straight to the AO entrance. It saves the stress of trying to find a spot close to the venue.

What else can you do at the Australian Open besides tennis?

AO26 will again combine sport and entertainment:

• AO Live Stage with nightly concerts.
• Pop-up dining featuring Melbourne’s top chefs.
• Family zones with shade, big screens, and kids’ activities.
• Practice courts for up-close player sessions.

It’s as much a cultural festival as it is a sporting event.

What attractions are near Melbourne Park?

You can explore some of Melbourne’s top destinations around Melbourne Park:

• Royal Botanic Gardens for a morning stroll.
• MCG + National Sports Museum for more sporting history.
• Southbank & Crown Casino precinct for dining and entertainment.
• Federation Square & NGV for arts and culture.

Our family of five enjoys eating different cuisines, so we often stop at the Crown Casino food court after a day at the AO.

The kids love their KFC, while Harry and I can choose from Indian, Chinese, Italian, and plenty of other options all under one roof. It is an easy, family-friendly spot that keeps everyone happy.

Tips for enjoying the Australian Open 2026?

My best tips are to plan around evening sessions, bring sunscreen and a hat, use the AO app, and book early.

Melbourne’s January–February heat can exceed 35°C, so hydration and shade are essential.

We usually take advantage of Ground Passes, while die-hard fans should secure Rod Laver night sessions.

FAQs about the Australian Open 2026

When is the Australian Open 2026?
The Australian Open 2026 opening Week runs from 12–17 January, with the main draw from 18 January to 1 February.

Where is AO26 held?
The AO 2026 will be held at Melbourne Park in central Melbourne, beside the Yarra River and the MCG.

How can I buy tickets?
Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster and the AO website from September 2025.

What surface is the Australian Open played on?
The AO is played on GreenSet hard courts.

Is the Australian Open 2026 in Melbourne?
Yes, the Australian Open 2026 is held at Melbourne Park in central Melbourne, Victoria. The venue includes Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena, making it one of the world’s premier tennis complexes.

Does the Australian Open 2026 run into February?
Yes, the Australian Open 2026 runs until Sunday, 1 February 2026. The main draw begins on 18 January and extends into February, with the men’s singles final scheduled for the final day.

Is Novak Djokovic likely to play at the Australian Open 2026?
Yes, Novak Djokovic is expected to play the Australian Open 2026, where he has already won a record 10 titles. His participation will depend on form and fitness, but Melbourne has been his most successful Grand Slam venue.

Does the Australian Open 2026 fall on the Australia Day weekend?
Yes, the Australian Open 2026 finals weekend coincides with the Australia Day long weekend on 25–26 January, creating a major sporting and cultural highlight for Melbourne.

Can fans attend the Australian Open 2026 with Ground Pass tickets?
Yes, fans can attend with Ground Pass tickets, which provide access to outdoor courts, practice sessions, entertainment zones, and the AO Live Stage. Ground Passes are the most affordable way to experience the AO atmosphere.

When do tickets for the Australian Open 2026 go on sale?
Tickets for the Australian Open 2026 go on pre-sale from 15 September 2025 for accessibility seating, with Mastercard and AO Extras pre-sales following later in September. General public tickets are usually released in October 2025 through Ticketmaster and the official AO website.

How hot is Melbourne during the Australian Open 2026?
Melbourne can reach 30–40°C during January and February, with heatwaves possible. The AO has heat policies in place, including retractable roofs and shaded seating areas, but fans should bring hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles.

Where is the best place to stay for the Australian Open 2026?
The best hotels are within walking distance of Melbourne Park, including Pullman Melbourne on the Park, Crown Towers Southbank, The Langham Melbourne, and Novotel Melbourne on Collins. Booking early is essential because the Australia Day weekend and the AO fill hotels quickly.

How do Ground Pass tickets work at the Australian Open 2026?
Ground Pass tickets give access to all outdoor courts, practice sessions, and fan zones, plus live concerts at the AO Live Stage. They do not include entry to Rod Laver, Margaret Court, or John Cain Arenas, but they are the most affordable way to enjoy the AO atmosphere.

What dining options are available during the Australian Open 2026?
Fans can choose from AO pop-up restaurants, Melbourne food trucks, and high-end AO Hilltop dining, as well as nearby options in Southbank, Federation Square, and Richmond’s Victoria Street for post-match meals.

How many fans are expected at the Australian Open 2026?
The Australian Open 2026 is expected to attract over 800,000 spectators across its Opening Week and two weeks of the main draw, continuing its reputation as the world’s best-attended Grand Slam.

Is the Australian Open 2026 family-friendly?
Yes, the AO has family zones, shaded areas, kids’ activities, and discounted Ground Pass options. Many families choose day sessions to enjoy both the tennis and the entertainment precinct.

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Melbourne Flexi Attraction Pass

If you are visiting Melbourne for the Australian Open, it is worth planning a few extra days to explore the city. Attractions like the Royal Botanic Gardens, MCG tours, and Southbank dining precinct are all close by.

For families like ours, a Flexi Attractions Pass is a great option because it lets you bundle multiple Melbourne experiences at a discounted price.

You can choose from places like the SEA LIFE Aquarium, Eureka Skydeck, and even river cruises along the Yarra, all perfect for filling in your mornings before heading to the tennis.

👉 Check out the Melbourne Flexi Attractions Pass for details.