The Australian Open 2026 is underway at Melbourne Park in Australia, and one of the first spotlight matches in the women’s singles draw pits American star Coco Gauff against Kamilla Rakhimova of Uzbekistan. With an early-round clash on the schedule, tennis fans worldwide want to know when and how to watch live.
Match time and date
Coco Gauff vs Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round of the Australian Open 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m. ET. In UTC terms, that corresponds to a 00:30 a.m. start on January 19, 2026 – though exact court assignment can shift timing slightly on the day.
Where to watch on TV and streaming
In the United States:
- ESPN / ESPN2: Primary broadcasters for Australian Open matches, including the Gauff vs Rakhimova match.
- Tennis Channel: Additional live feeds during tournament play.
- ESPN App / ESPN+: Streaming options for live matches on mobile, smart TV, or connected devices.
- Fubo: Live TV streaming service that carries ESPN networks.
These platforms generally require a valid subscription to access tennis coverage.
Though this is a first-round match, fans and analysts alike are watching closely. Coco Gauff – a top American contender and major force in women’s tennis – faces Rakhimova early in the tournament, setting the tone for her Australian Open campaign. A victory here would set Gauff up for deeper runs in the draw.
Whether you’re watching for the top-level tennis or cheering on Gauff, this early clash is a great way to kick off the year’s first Grand Slam.
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