The Australian Open once again launches the tennis calendar, opening the 2026 Grand Slam season with two weeks of elite competition in Melbourne. From scorching summer heat to packed night sessions at Rod Laver Arena, the tournament promises drama, history, and must-watch matchups as the world’s best players chase early-season glory.
Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys headline the men’s and women’s fields, while Coco Gauff enters Melbourne Park aiming to claim her first Australian Open singles title. Adding a nostalgic storyline, Venus Williams will return to the tournament on a wild card, marking her first appearance in Melbourne since 2021.
For fans in the United States, ESPN once again serves as the exclusive broadcast partner, offering wall-to-wall coverage across television and streaming platforms.
Australian Open 2026 TV coverage and streaming options in the US
American viewers will be able to follow every stage of the Australian Open live on ESPN’s family of networks. Daily qualifying rounds (Jan. 11-17) will stream exclusively on ESPN+, including access to individual court feeds once main-draw play begins.
From the first round onward, ESPN2 will provide whip-around coverage across all courts, while ESPN will carry the men’s and women’s semifinals and championship matches. Fans can also stream every match live through the Australian Open streaming hub on ESPN+, making it easy to follow multiple matches simultaneously.
Key dates to know:
Tournament begins: Jan. 18
Round of 16: Jan. 24
Quarterfinals: Jan. 26
Women’s & Men’s Semifinals: Jan. 29
Women’s Final: Jan. 31
Men’s Final: Feb. 1
Storylines to watch as the 2026 Australian Open unfolds
Twelve months ago, Sinner defended his title in commanding fashion, defeating Alexander Zverev in straight sets and using that momentum to fuel an outstanding 2025 season. Now, the Italian star has his sights set on history, attempting to become just the second man after Novak Djokovic to win three consecutive Australian Open titles.
On the women’s side, Keys arrives as the reigning champion after a breakthrough run that delivered her first Grand Slam crown. Her triumph was historic, as she became the lowest-ranked woman to win the Australian Open since Serena Williams in 2007. Reflecting on that moment, Keys called it “the reward for never giving up, even when the wait felt endless.”
American hopes remain strong across both draws. Gauff continues her ascent as a title favorite, while Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz lead the men’s charge. Shelton reached the semifinals in Melbourne last year, falling to Sinner, and will look to take the next step in 2026.
Even if you can’t travel to Australia, ESPN’s comprehensive coverage ensures U.S. fans won’t miss a moment. From first serve to championship point, the Australian Open 2026 will be fully accessible-bringing Melbourne’s electric atmosphere straight to living rooms across America.
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