The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the tennis season and one of the most anticipated tournaments on the calendar. In this guide, you’ll find the complete Australian Open 2026 schedule and the latest match results, including qualifying rounds, main draw dates, day and night sessions, and daily order of play. Live scores and updated results are available directly in the interactive widget below.
Australian Open 2026: Tournament Overview
The Australian Open 2026 opens the Grand Slam season and is traditionally held in Melbourne each January. As the first major tournament of the year, it often sets early trends in form, fitness, and momentum for the world’s top players, shaping expectations for the rest of the tennis season.
Played on hard courts, the Australian Open is known for its demanding conditions, long rallies, and intense match schedules across multiple courts and sessions. The tournament spans nearly three weeks, beginning with qualification rounds and concluding with the singles finals.
Australian Open 2026 Schedule: Key Dates
The Australian Open schedule follows a structured progression from qualifying to finals, allowing fans to track the tournament stage by stage.
The main phases of the tournament include:
- Qualifying rounds held before the main draw
- First round matches across all courts
- Second and third rounds during the middle of the first week
- Fourth round (Round of 16) toward the end of the first week
- Quarterfinals at the start of the second week
- Semifinals during the final midweek sessions
- Finals weekend, featuring the women’s and men’s singles finals
This format ensures a steady flow of matches while providing players with sufficient recovery time between rounds.
Day Sessions and Night Sessions at the Australian Open
One of the defining features of the Australian Open schedule is the split between day sessions and night sessions.
Day sessions typically start earlier and feature a high volume of matches across both show courts and outer courts. Night sessions, held on the main stadium courts, are reserved for headline matches involving top-ranked players or high-profile encounters.
Night sessions are especially popular with global audiences due to their prime-time broadcast slots in many regions.
How the Australian Open Order of Play Is Determined
The order of play outlines which matches are scheduled on each court and at what time. It is generally released the evening before play begins and may be adjusted if necessary.
Several factors influence the order of play, including:
- Player rankings and match significance
- Broadcast scheduling priorities
- Player recovery requirements
- Weather conditions and extreme heat policies
Because match durations can vary significantly, start times may shift throughout the day, making daily updates essential.
Live Australian Open Schedule & Latest Match Results
Below you can find a live Australian Open schedule and results widget, featuring up-to-date match results, live scores, and upcoming fixtures across all courts and sessions.
This interactive widget allows fans to follow the tournament in real time, including:
- The latest completed match results
- Live scores from ongoing matches
- Daily match schedules and court assignments
- Upcoming matches across all rounds
It is the most efficient way to stay informed throughout the tournament, particularly on busy days with multiple matches taking place simultaneously.
How Often Are Australian Open Results Updated?
The match results displayed in the widget are updated continuously throughout the day. Once a match is completed, the final score is reflected almost immediately, allowing fans to follow the latest developments without relying on multiple external sources.
This is especially useful during early rounds, night sessions, and extended five-set matches that finish late.
Australian Open Qualifying Schedule Explained
The Australian Open qualifying rounds take place in the days leading up to the main draw. Players compete for a limited number of spots, making this stage one of the most competitive phases of the tournament.
Qualifying matches are typically played on outer courts and follow a condensed schedule, with players often required to win multiple matches in a short time frame. Many future stars and breakthrough performers begin their Grand Slam journeys during qualification.
Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals Schedule
As the tournament reaches its decisive stages, the schedule becomes increasingly focused on the main stadium courts.
Quarterfinals are usually spread across two days, followed by separate semifinal sessions for men and women. The tournament concludes with finals weekend, traditionally featuring the women’s singles final first, followed by the men’s singles final.
These matches attract the largest global audiences and often define the narrative of the Australian Open each year.
Why the Australian Open Schedule and Results Matter
As the opening Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open plays a key role in:
- Early ATP and WTA rankings
- Player confidence and seasonal momentum
- Tactical and physical trends that influence the rest of the year
Strong performances in Melbourne often provide early insight into which players may emerge as major contenders later in the Grand Slam season.
Following the Australian Open Across the Grand Slam Season
While each Grand Slam has its own unique characteristics, tracking the Australian Open schedule and results offers valuable context for understanding player form and development across the entire season. Performances in Melbourne often help explain trends and outcomes at subsequent major tournaments later in the year.
Important Notes on Schedule Changes
Please note that the Australian Open schedule may change due to weather conditions, extreme heat, or unusually long matches. However, the live schedule and latest results in the widget are updated automatically, ensuring access to the most current information throughout the tournament.
