Australian Open ATP 2026: Schedule, Entry List, Draw and Predictions

The Australian Open is due to take place between January 18, with the women's final on January 31 and the men's final on February 1. The ATP sees Jannik Sinner as defending champion, he defeated Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in the final back in 2025.

Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner will be the leading lights again this time in Melbourne. Alcaraz has never won the title reaching the Quarter-Finals in the last two years and like Iga Swiatek on the WTA side is the only Grand Slam title he does not own yet.

Novak Djokovic has won it the most in the open era (2008, 2011–2013, 2015–2016, 2019–2021, 2023). 10 times in all but he has not won it in now three years and is still hunting for his 25th Grand Slam title. Can he do it here?

The main draw will takes place on Thursday, January 15 at 2.30pm local time which is 3.30am UK and Ireland time or 4:30am European time.

The schedule will be confirmed the days before the tournament begins on January 16-17. with the top half on on day and the bottom half on the other throughout the rounds led by the top two seeds Alcaraz on one day then Sinner on the other.

Samuel Gill, Head Editor for TennisUpToDate sees the leading two duking it out.

Unlike the women's tournament, the men's is a bit more of a foregone conclusion in my mind. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have to be favoured above anyone and everything unfortunately for those who want differentiation.

In reality, there is very little in the way of actual players to stop them dominating right now. Novak Djokovic is older and albeit is still competing isn't perhaps at their level, he still has it on his day but the Aussie heat is a cruel mistress and given fitness issues in the past and not looking exactly incredible at times in majors it could be a struggle.

Alexander Zverev with a great degree of certainty won't either and with no Jack Draper it is very much a who will join them. Taylor Fritz is suffering with tendonitis. So I'm going to stick my leg out and say good runs for Alexander Bublik, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Lorenzo Musetti and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina behind the big two.

*** Jannik Sinner

** Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic

* Alexander Bublik, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Lorenzo Musetti

Cristhian Avila, Editor for TennisUpToDate sees Sinner and Alcaraz as the two outstanding parties this time around.

There is little doubt that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner start two steps ahead of the rest. The confirmed absences of Draper and Rune further clear their path, as they are among the few players capable of springing a surprise on them on an inspired day. I expect another final between the two, with Sinner claiming his third consecutive Australian Open title, while also preventing his great rival from completing the Career Grand Slam for now. If the Italian completes the Melbourne three-peat, he will arrive at Roland Garros with hopes of finishing his own Career Slam on Alcaraz’s favourite stage — a sweet revenge that could come one year late.

Beyond the top two, I do not expect things to change much compared to the last US Open. Félix Auger-Aliassime and Novak Djokovic seem to me the players most capable of going the furthest — though still without a clear chance of lifting the title. Only an early exit from Alcaraz or Sinner would truly open the door for them, but beating both the Italian and the Spaniard consecutively remains an almost impossible feat for the rest of the field.

Ben Shelton could make headlines in a tournament that has suited him well in previous years. I also expect Learner Tien to deliver a strong performance and make a deep run, as well as Hubert Hurkacz, who — based on what he showed at the United Cup — will be one of the names nobody wants to face in the early rounds.

***Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz

**Félix Auger-Aliassime, Novak Djokovic, Ben Shelton

*Hubert Hurkacz, Learner Tien, Jiri Lehecka

Lucas Michael, Editor for TennisUpToDate also sees no other winner than Alcaraz or Sinner.

The Australian Open kicks off the major events in 2026, and while there is a lot of hype around seeing the best players in the world competing with each other once more, it is hard to take you eyes off the top two.

In my mind, I cannot see anyone getting close to the brilliance of Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, no matter the surface of scenery. They are just inevitable, especially over a longer format which they have thrived in over recent times.

The only player who could ruin their party is 10-time champion Novak Djokovic. He has not played since winning the Hellenic Championship back in November, so it will be interesting to see how quicky he shakes off the rust.

There is a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Alexander Zverev, with last year’s final on the line in terms of ranking points. This could be all the motivation needed for a deep run from the German. Another outside pick is Daniil Medvedev. The three-time finalist Down Under looks to be slowly creeping back to his best, and he is a very tricky customer on hard court so will not be surprised if he pops up later in the event.

However, no one will come close to Alcaraz or Sinner. Without sitting on the fence, I am going to say history repeats itself in Melbourne and Sinner goes on to clinch a third Australian Open title in a row.

*** Jannik Sinner

** Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic

* Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime