when does aus open start

The 2026 Australian Open main draw is scheduled to start on Sunday, 18 January 2026, at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.

Key dates in 2026

• Overall tournament window: 12 January to 1 February 2026, including qualifying and main draw.

• Qualifying rounds: 12–15 January 2026.

• Main draw begins: Sunday, 18 January 2026.

• Women’s singles final: Saturday, 31 January 2026.

• Men’s singles final: Sunday, 1 February 2026.

Quick forum-style scoop

If you’re planning a trip or a watch-party, the phrase to remember is: “Aus Open 2026 kicks off Sunday 18 Jan, runs through Sunday 1 Feb.”

Do keep in mind organizers label this schedule as provisional and note it can change slightly as the event gets closer.

In fan discussions, people are already treating 18 Jan as “Day 1 at Melbourne Park,” with qualifying in the week leading up so players and fans are in full swing by that first Sunday.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.