The Australian Open 2026 kicks off on Jan 18 with a packed Day 1 schedule featuring night‑session showdowns between world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and two‑time champion Aryna Sabalenka, plus a blend of veteran stars and rising talents in the daytime matches. All games start at 11:00 a.m. local time, promising high‑stakes tennis from the first serve.
Night Session Highlights
Sabalenka Opens Against Clara Bouchard
Aryna Sabalenka, seeking her fifth Grand Slam title, begins the night session at 7:30 p.m. against French wildcard Clara Bouchard. Sabalenka’s power‑filled baseline game and heavy forehand are expected to dominate the French contender, setting an early tone for her campaign.
Alcaraz Faces Australian Qualifier Jordan Thompson
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz takes the court at 9:30 p.m. to meet Australian qualifier Jordan Thompson. The match offers Alcaraz a chance to showcase his aggressive court coverage on home soil while giving the local crowd a potential upset opportunity.
Daytime Matches Feature Veterans and Newcomers
The daytime session starts at 11:00 a.m. and includes a mix of established stars and emerging talent. Venus Williams opens against Australian qualifier Emily Thompson, while Emma Raducanu battles New Zealand’s Megan Fisher at 2:30 p.m. Australian hopefuls such as Alex de Minaur and Olivia Gadecki also appear across the draws, adding local intrigue.
Qualifying Rounds Set the Stage
Qualifying matches have been running for the past week, narrowing a field of hopefuls to the final 128 for the main draw. The last round of qualifiers concluded on Jan 17, delivering fresh faces that could draw against marquee players on opening day.
Full Tournament Timeline
The Australian Open runs for 15 days, with the main draw opening at 10:00 a.m. on Jan 18. Singles finals are slated for Jan 31, followed by doubles finals on Feb 1. Rest days are built into the schedule, especially for players competing in multiple events, and times may shift due to Melbourne’s summer heat.
Season Implications for Top Players
A strong start for Sabalenka could cement her status as the premier hard‑court player on the women’s tour, while Alcaraz’s performance will influence his confidence heading into the Australian summer swing. Early momentum often translates into deeper runs, making Day 1 results a potential bellwether for the season.
Key Matchups Fans Should Watch
- Sabalenka vs. Bouchard – Expect a baseline battle with Sabalenka’s heavy forehand dictating play.
- Alcaraz vs. Thompson – Alcaraz’s aggressive court coverage will be tested by the Australian’s familiarity with local conditions.
- Williams vs. Emily Thompson – A nostalgic clash that could produce a memorable moment for long‑time fans.
- Raducanu vs. Megan Fisher – Her performance will be scrutinized after a challenging 2025 season; a win could reignite her Grand Slam hopes.
As the lights blaze over Melbourne Park, Day 1 of the Australian Open 2026 promises drama, high‑stakes tennis, and the start of storylines that could shape the sport’s landscape for the year ahead.
