From Carlos Alcaraz to Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka to Coco Gauff, the world’s top tennis players have arrived Down Under as the year’s first Grand Slam gets under way in Melbourne this week.The famous blue hard courts will see all-time great Novak Djokovic continue his search for a record-extending 11th Australian Open and 25th Grand Slam title amid the modern-day rivalry between defending champion Sinner and world number one Alcaraz.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listIn the women’s draw, Sabalenka will once again attempt to win her third Australian Open title but will face a tough challenge from Iga Swiatek, Gauff and Amanda Anisimova.And thousands of fans will brave the Australian summer to catch the biggest stars of the game in action.Here’s all you need to know about the Australian Open 2026:When does the Australian Open 2026 main round start, and when are the finals?The first round of men’s and women’s singles matches starts on Sunday, January 18.The women’s singles final will be played at the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, January 31, and the men’s singles final will be played at the same venue a day later.Where is the Australian Open played?The first Slam of the year is played on the hard court venues located at Melbourne Park. Apart from the Rod Laver Arena, the other main courts are the Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena.Who are the Australian Open defending champions?Madison Keys stunned two-time champion Sabalenka to win her first Slam in the 2025 final …
