The Australian Open is gearing up for its most ambitious edition yet in 2026, transforming Melbourne Park into a three-week extravaganza of elite tennis, live music, gourmet experiences, and family-friendly fun.
Running from January 12 to February 1, AO 2026 plans to build on the record-breaking attendance of 1.2 million fans in 2025 by expanding its offerings, introducing groundbreaking initiatives, and emphasizing accessibility.
Tournament Director Craig Tiley has described it as a “global force in sport and entertainment,” promising unforgettable moments for players, fans, and brands alike.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Tennis Will Be Hot
At the heart of the event is clearly the tennis itself, which always delivers big storylines at the start of a new season. The men’s draw features the best rivalry in tennis at the moment, between World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 2 Jannik Sinner that could potentially go on for years to come.
Sinner, the defending champion, returns after a stellar year, including a Wimbledon title and finals at Roland Garros and the US Open. A victory in Melbourne would make him only the second man in the Open era—joining Novak Djokovic—to win three consecutive Australian Opens.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlcaraz, meanwhile, is hunting his first AO crown, which would complete his career Grand Slam. Djokovic, the 10-time champion and current World No. 4, remains a formidable presence, aiming to become the oldest Grand Slam singles winner in the Open era at age 38, and claim a record 25th major title.
The women’s field is equally stacked, with World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 2 Iga Swiatek, and No. 3 Coco Gauff vying for dominance. Swiatek is also chasing a career Grand Slam, while two-time AO winner Naomi Osaka has climbed back into the top 20.
Emerging talents like World No. 4 Amanda Anisimova, who reached finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, and Emma Raducanu (ranked 32) add depth. Defending champion Madison Keys sits at No. 6, and will no doubt be looking forward to getting back to the scene of her greatest triumph.
There is no end of young rising stars are set to shine, including Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, Britain’s Jack Draper, Czechia’s Jakub Mensik, Russia’s Mirra Andreeva, Canada’s Victoria Mboko, and Australia’s Maya Joint.
The resurgence of American tennis is evident with 15 men in the top 100, led by Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Tommy Paul—all in the top 50. Italy’s renaissance continues with Sinner at the forefront, supported by Lorenzo Musetti (No. 9), Flavio Cobolli (No. 25), and Jasmine Paolini on the women’s side.
Australian hopes rest, as always, on Alex de Minaur, fresh off quarterfinals at all four majors, alongside Alexei Popyrin, Jordan Thompson, Aleksandar Vukic, Daria Kasatkina (No. 20), Priscilla Hon (top 100), Kim Birrell, and Ajla Tomljanovic.
Scheduling
A key scheduling change for 2026 sees both men’s and women’s doubles finals moved to the afternoon on the final Saturday in Rod Laver Arena, enhancing the weekend’s appeal. Qualifying rounds will feature 256 players battling for main-draw spots, with open practice sessions allowing fans front-row access to superstars in Rod Laver Arena.
Away from the courts, AO 2026 elevates the fan experience with an expanded Opening Week starting January 12. For the first time, the entire precinct opens on day one, with free entry for kids and affordable Ground Passes—$10 for adults, $5 for kids, and family packages for two adults and two children.
This initiative aims to make the event more accessible, building on the family-friendly vibe. Kids Tennis Day presented by Emirates on January 17 will include interactive activities, while top players distribute 5,000 Hot Shots Tennis racquets to inspire young fans.
A standout new feature is the Million Dollar 1 Point Slam, a high-stakes competition where amateurs and pros vie for a $1 million prize in a single-point format. Entries open soon at clubs nationwide, with qualifiers during Opening Week leading to finals on Rod Laver Arena. World No. 1 Alcaraz headlines the pro lineup, with more stars to be announced. This builds on the 2025 version, where Victorian pro Omar Jasika won $60,000.
Improvements Never Stop
Infrastructure upgrades take the precinct “to new heights,” as described by Tennis Australia’s Director of Product and Customer Experience Amanda Del Prete. The Highline, a new elevated viewing platform on the Western Courts, provides fresh perspectives, additional shade, and seamless access to the reimagined Courtside Bar with grandstand seating.
Grand Slam Oval gets a double-storey upgrade, offering more shaded seating and prime big-screen views for the festival atmosphere. The Village, between John Cain and Kia Arenas, returns for close-up player interactions and pickleball sessions during finals weekend—expanding on the sport’s successful 2025 debut.
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TOPCOURT at Birrarung Marr is back by popular demand, featuring Game On activations, live music, pickleball courts, shopping, and fresh experiences. The AO Ballpark presented by Emirates remains a family hub with a waterslide, stage, and Hot Shots HQ for mini courts and interactive tennis activities.
Food and Drink Options are Abundant
Food and beverage innovations are a major highlight, headlined by Shake Shack’s first Australian pop-up at TOPCOURT and John Cain Arena. The New York icon will serve its signature ShackBurger and an exclusive AO Shake.
AO exclusives like Peach Melbourne (over 112,000 serves in 2025) return with its mascot Pat the Peach in new merchandise. The Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktail, which sold 100,000 units last year, is available fresh or ready-to-drink. The AO Frappe gets an upgrade with a2 milk collaboration.
New outlets include Suupaa’s Japanese-inspired express food at Western Courts, offering onigiri, katsu sandos, noodle bowls, and fried chicken. Garden Square features Hector’s Deli sandwiches, Layla’s Middle Eastern dishes by Shane Delia, Entrecôte’s French classics, and Vic’s Meat’s new AO food icon.
Grand Slam Oval hosts a multicultural lineup: Season Chicken (Vietnamese fried chicken), Ho Jiak (Malaysian), JollyGood burgers, Stalactites x Taverna Greek collaboration, D.O.C pizza, and Fishbowl salads. Indigenous chef Mindy Woods offers a First Nations-inspired dish, while Ray Capaldi’s Wonder Pies brings tuck-shop nostalgia to AO Ballpark.
Premium hospitality in AO Reserve showcases Michelin-starred Simon Rogan, Peter Gilmore’s Australian cuisine, Tasmania’s Agrarian Kitchen, SK Steak and Oyster, Sushi Room, Alejandro Saravia’s Latin flavors, and Caretaker’s Cottage cocktails.
Sport and Music are a Great Mix
Music takes center stage with AO LIVE, turning the event into a 21-day summer festival. Grand Slam Oval hosts nightly performances during Opening Week, while AO LIVE Presents expands to five nights in John Cain Arena from January 28 to February 1.
Headliners include The Kid LAROI (January 28, Australian exclusive), Spacey Jane (January 29), The Veronicas and Sofi Tukker (January 30, AO Pride Day), a to-be-announced act (January 31), and Peggy Gou (February 1). Tickets start at $99, including Ground Pass access. Additional acts feature acoustic sets in Garden Square and DJs on Grand Slam Oval, programmed by Untitled Group.
Convenience enhancements include expanded in-seat ordering, roving vendors, and automated snack services to minimize queues. Supported by partners like Kia, Emirates, Luzhou Laojiao, Rolex, and ANZ, AO 2026 promises a seamless blend of sport and spectacle. Tickets go on sale October 14 via Ticketmaster, with more details at ausopen.com.
For those who have never had the Australian Open experience, it’s a day out that comes highly recommended. Just be prepared to be sharing that experience with hundreds of thousands of others…
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