The 2026 Australian Open is set to showcase some of the biggest names in tennis as they prepare to compete in this prestigious tournament from January 17 to February 1 at Melbourne Park. The tournament will kick off with qualifying rounds that began on January 12, leading into the main event which officially starts on Sunday, January 18. U.S. viewers will have the opportunity to catch the opening matches on Saturday night due to the time difference.
Fans can tune in to the tournament on ESPN and ESPN2, while all matches will be available for streaming on ESPN+ for subscribers. ESPN Unlimited subscribers will have access to the entire tournament, including qualifying rounds. This year’s competitors include top players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic in the men’s draw, while Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and American star Coco Gauff lead the women’s field.
Notably, the 2026 Australian Open offers substantial prize money, with both the men’s and women’s singles champions receiving $4,150,000. Runners-up will take home $2,150,000, while semi-finalists will earn $1,250,000, making this event an enticing opportunity for players to showcase their skills.
For those looking to watch the tournament without a traditional cable package, streaming options are available. In Australia, matches can be streamed for free with ads on 9Now. International viewers can also access the coverage using a VPN that routes their connection to Australia, allowing them to enjoy the matches as if they were there.
As anticipation builds for this year’s tournament, tennis enthusiasts can look forward to exhilarating matches and unforgettable moments in what promises to be another thrilling chapter in Australian Open history.