The 2026 Australian Open is set to begin from January 18 to February 1. As the first major tournament of the year, it promises thrilling matches among top tennis players, including American Coco Gauff and seasoned star Venus Williams.
2026 Australian Open Draw: Key Players and Potential Matchups
This year, the tournament boasts a staggering prize pool of $74.9 million. Each singles champion will take home $2.79 million. Among the key players are Jannik Sinner, the reigning men’s champion, and Madison Keys, who looks to defend her title.
Coco Gauff’s Potential Path
Coco Gauff, seeded No. 3, might face Venus Williams in the second round. Gauff is coming off her second Grand Slam victory, which she secured at the 2025 French Open. However, she struggled with consistency at the end of the last season, finishing with 431 double faults, the highest in the WTA Tour.
- Second Round: Potentially against Venus Williams.
- Third Round: Possible matchup with Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušova.
- Quarterfinals: Likely opponent could be No. 8 Mirra Andreeva or No. 12 Elina Svitolina.
Gauff may also have a chance for a rematch with Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
Madison Keys: Title Defense Challenges
Madison Keys, who clinched her first Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open, faces a tough draw this year. She opens against Oleksandra Oliynykova and may meet No. 22 Leylah Fernandez in the third round.
- First Round: Oleksandra Oliynykova.
- Third Round: Likely against No. 22 Leylah Fernandez.
- Quarterfinals: Possible match against No. 6 Jessica Pegula or No. 25 Paula Badosa.
Keys has a favorable head-to-head record against her potential opponents, which could boost her title defense.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Grand Slam Quest
Carlos Alcaraz aims to complete his career Grand Slam. The young star, who has not advanced past the quarterfinals in previous Australian Open appearances, begins against Adam Walton. He may face No. 19 Tommy Paul in the fourth round and a potential showdown with Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.
First-Round Highlights
The opening round features fascinating matchups, including:
- Alex de Minaur vs. Matteo Berrettini.
- Marketa Vondrousova vs. Hailey Baptiste.
These matchups could set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Watch the 2026 Australian Open
The Australian Open will be available for viewing on ESPN and ESPN 2, with streaming options on Fubo, which provides a free trial for new users.
Tournament Schedule
| Round | Dates |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | January 18-20 |
| Round 2 | January 21-22 |
| Round 3 | January 23-24 |
| Round of 16 | January 25-26 |
| Quarterfinals | January 27-28 |
| Women’s Semifinals | January 29 |
| Men’s Semifinals | January 30 |
| Women’s Final | January 31 |
| Men’s Final | February 1 |
The excitement of the Australian Open is palpable, and fans can look forward to remarkable performances from both established stars and rising talents.
