Australian Open 2026 Kicks Off with Top Seeds and Rising Stars in Melbourne

The Australian Open 2026 begins in Melbourne with top players competing on hard courts from January 18 to February 1. Key men's contenders include world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner, while Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek lead the women's field. The women's draw is noted for its unpredictability, featuring rising stars like Mirra Andreeva and Victoria Mboko. Venus Williams returns via wildcard, adding experience to the competition. Matches start with Alcaraz facing Adam Walton and Sabalenka playing Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.