Australian Open 2026 | Results, Winners & Complete Guide

The 2026 Australian Open took place from 18 January to 1 February at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia. Carlos Alcaraz won the men’s singles title, defeating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 to complete the career Grand Slam at just 22 years old, making him the youngest player in history to achieve the feat. Elena Rybakina claimed the women’s crown, beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 for her second Grand Slam title.

The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of each tennis season, played on hard courts in the heat of the Australian summer. The 2026 edition delivered historic results on both sides of the draw and featured record prize money of A$111,500,000. Below you will find a full recap of the 2026 tournament, complete winners’ history, betting trends, and a look ahead to the 2027 Australian Open.

This page covers everything you need: tournament details, how the 2026 event unfolded, key contenders for 2027, historical records, how to watch in the UK, and links to our betting tips and match previews.

Australian Open 2026 Overview

Detail	Info
Dates	18 January – 1 February 2026
Venue	Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface	Hard court (GreenSet, outdoor)
Draw size	128 Men’s Singles / 128 Women’s Singles
Prize money	A$111,500,000 (record)
Men’s champion	Carlos Alcaraz d. Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5
Women’s champion	Elena Rybakina d. Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4
UK TV	Eurosport / Discovery+

The Australian Open is unique among the Grand Slams for its extreme heat conditions, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35C during the first week. The GreenSet hard courts produce a medium-paced bounce that rewards aggressive baseliners and strong returners. Rod Laver Arena, the main show court, holds 14,820 spectators and features a retractable roof that allows play to continue in extreme weather or during evening sessions.

The 2026 edition will be remembered for two major storylines: Alcaraz becoming the youngest player to hold all four Grand Slam titles, and Djokovic’s remarkable run to the final at age 38, making him the oldest Australian Open finalist in the Open Era. The tournament also set new attendance records and distributed the highest prize pool in the event’s history.

Australian Open 2026 Recap: Men’s Singles

Carlos Alcaraz arrived in Melbourne with a clear mission. Having won the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, the Australian Open was the last piece of his career Grand Slam puzzle. After a slow start against Djokovic in the final, dropping the first set 2-6, Alcaraz found his range and took control with the aggressive baseline play that has defined his career. His 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 run through the final three sets was a masterclass in adapting mid-match.

The result was historic: at 22 years and 9 months, Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, surpassing the previous record held by Rafael Nadal (who completed the set at 24 in 2010). It cemented Alcaraz’s status as the dominant force in men’s tennis, with five Grand Slam titles to his name before his 23rd birthday.

Djokovic’s run to the final was remarkable in its own right. The 10-time Australian Open champion, competing at 38, defeated two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals to reach his 11th Melbourne final. While the title eluded him, his run demonstrated that he remains a factor at the highest level of the sport.

Sinner, the 2024 and 2025 champion, was expected to be the man to beat but fell in the semi-finals to Djokovic. His loss ended a 16-match winning streak at Melbourne Park and opened the door for Alcaraz’s historic triumph.

Australian Open 2026 Recap: Women’s Singles

Elena Rybakina captured her second Grand Slam title with a gritty three-set victory over Aryna Sabalenka. The Kazakh’s powerful serve and clean ball-striking proved the difference in a high-quality final, as she recovered from losing the second set to close out a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win.

For Sabalenka, it was a painful near-miss at a tournament she had dominated in recent years. The Belarusian had won the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024 and reached the final in 2025, where she lost to Madison Keys. Her 2026 final appearance meant she had reached four consecutive Australian Open finals, an exceptional record even in defeat.

Rybakina’s victory confirmed her status as one of the most dangerous players on hard courts when her first serve is firing. Having won Wimbledon in 2022 on grass, she now holds titles on two different surfaces, demonstrating the versatility that makes her a contender at every major.

Australian Open 2027: Key Contenders Men’s Singles

Carlos Alcaraz (Defending Champion)

Alcaraz will arrive in Melbourne as the defending champion and the man to beat. His 2026 Australian Open victory completed the career Grand Slam, and his confidence on GreenSet courts is now well established. At 23, he is in the peak years of his career and his all-court game is ideally suited to the medium-paced conditions at Melbourne Park. His ability to adapt mid-match, as demonstrated in the 2026 final, makes him the most complete player in the men’s game.

Alcaraz’s Grand Slam record is staggering for a player of his age: five titles across all four majors. His aggressive return game and ability to dictate rallies from the baseline give him an edge over virtually every opponent on hard courts.

Jannik Sinner

Sinner won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2024 and 2025 before falling to Djokovic in the 2026 semi-finals. His record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 20-2 across three editions, and the hard courts suit his precise baseline game and improved serve. The Italian will be eager to reclaim the title he considers his best Slam. His ability to maintain rallies from the back of the court and his consistency under pressure remain elite-level qualities.

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic holds a record 10 Australian Open titles and reached the 2026 final at age 38. His understanding of the conditions in Melbourne is unmatched, and his semi-final victory over Sinner proved he can still compete with the very best. However, Father Time is a factor; maintaining peak form across a five-set Grand Slam becomes harder each year. If Djokovic returns for the 2027 edition at 39, he will be among the oldest Grand Slam contenders in the Open Era.

Alexander Zverev

Zverev reached the 2025 Australian Open final (losing to Sinner) and has consistently performed well in Melbourne. His powerful serve and forehand are effective on the hard courts, and his improved mental resilience in recent seasons has translated into deeper Slam runs. A first Grand Slam title remains the missing piece from Zverev’s CV, and the Australian Open represents one of his better opportunities.

Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev has reached two Australian Open finals (2021, 2024) and his flat, counter-punching style is well suited to the GreenSet surface. His ability to absorb pace and redirect the ball makes him a difficult out in the hot conditions, where patience and fitness are rewarded. He remains a genuine contender when the hard-court swing begins.

Australian Open 2027: Key Contenders Women’s Singles

Elena Rybakina (Defending Champion)

Rybakina’s 2026 victory proved she is a force on hard courts as well as grass. Her serve is the biggest weapon in the women’s game, and when her first-serve percentage is high, she is virtually unplayable. The question is consistency; Rybakina’s form between the Grand Slams has been inconsistent in recent seasons. If she arrives in Melbourne healthy and match-fit, she will be a strong favourite to defend her title.

Aryna Sabalenka

Sabalenka’s record at the Australian Open is extraordinary: two titles (2023, 2024) and four consecutive finals (2023-2026). Despite losing the 2025 and 2026 finals, she remains the most consistent performer at Melbourne Park. Her powerful game thrives on hard courts, and her aggressive approach generates more winners than almost any player on tour. The world No 1 will be desperate to reclaim the title she made her own.

Coco Gauff

Gauff is steadily improving on hard courts, with a US Open title (2023) already on her CV. Her movement and return game are elite, and her improving serve gives her more free points than in earlier seasons. At 22, she is approaching the prime years of her career and the Australian Open could be the next major she targets for a breakthrough.

Iga Swiatek

Swiatek owns six Grand Slam titles but the Australian Open has been her least successful major. The hard courts in Melbourne do not suit her topspin-heavy game as naturally as the clay of Roland Garros. However, her 2025 Wimbledon victory showed she can win on surfaces beyond clay, and her competitive drive means she will always be a factor at any Grand Slam.

Australian Open Winners: Men’s Singles History

Most Australian Open Men’s Singles Titles (Open Era)

Player	Titles	Years
Novak Djokovic	10	2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023
Roger Federer	6	2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018
Roy Emerson	6	1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
Jannik Sinner	2	2024, 2025
Carlos Alcaraz	1	2026

Recent Men’s Singles Champions

Year	Champion	Runner-up	Score
2026	Carlos Alcaraz	Novak Djokovic	2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5
2025	Jannik Sinner	Alexander Zverev	6-3, 7-6, 6-3
2024	Jannik Sinner	Daniil Medvedev	3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3
2023	Novak Djokovic	Stefanos Tsitsipas	6-3, 7-6, 7-6
2022	Rafael Nadal	Daniil Medvedev	2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5
2021	Novak Djokovic	Daniil Medvedev	7-5, 6-2, 6-2
2020	Novak Djokovic	Dominic Thiem	6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4
2019	Novak Djokovic	Rafael Nadal	6-3, 6-2, 6-3

Key records: Djokovic’s 10 titles are the most by any player at a single Grand Slam in the Open Era (surpassing Nadal’s 14 at Roland Garros, which includes pre-Open Era counting). He also holds the record for most Australian Open finals with 11 appearances. Alcaraz’s 2026 victory made him the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, a feat previously accomplished by just eight other players. Nadal’s 2022 victory was one of the greatest comebacks in Grand Slam history, recovering from two sets down against Medvedev.

Australian Open Winners: Women’s Singles History

Most Australian Open Women’s Singles Titles

Player	Titles	Years
Margaret Court	11	1960-1966, 1969-1971, 1973
Serena Williams	7	2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017
Monica Seles	4	1991, 1992, 1993, 1996
Steffi Graf	4	1988, 1989, 1990, 1994
Aryna Sabalenka	2	2023, 2024

Recent Women’s Singles Champions

Year	Champion	Runner-up	Score
2026	Elena Rybakina	Aryna Sabalenka	6-4, 4-6, 6-4
2025	Madison Keys	Aryna Sabalenka	3-6, 6-2, 7-5
2024	Aryna Sabalenka	Zheng Qinwen	6-3, 6-2
2023	Aryna Sabalenka	Elena Rybakina	4-6, 6-3, 6-4
2022	Ashleigh Barty	Danielle Collins	6-3, 7-6
2021	Naomi Osaka	Jennifer Brady	6-4, 6-3
2020	Sofia Kenin	Garbine Muguruza	4-6, 6-2, 6-2

Key records: Margaret Court’s 11 titles remain an untouchable record, though many of those came in the pre-Open Era when the tournament’s field was weaker. Serena Williams holds the Open Era record with 7 titles across a remarkable 14-year span (2003-2017). Sabalenka’s four consecutive finals (2023-2026) is the best active streak at any Grand Slam in the women’s game, even though she won only two of those four title matches.

Australian Open Betting Odds & Predictions

Outright winner odds for the 2027 Australian Open will be released closer to the tournament, typically in late December or early January. Check back here for updated odds from Bet365 once the market opens.

Based on the 2026 results and current form, the likely market shape for 2027 will be:

Men’s favourites: Carlos Alcaraz will be the defending champion and likely favourite, with Jannik Sinner (2x champion) and Novak Djokovic (10x champion) close behind. Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev will form the next tier, while dark horses could include Holger Rune and Ben Shelton.

Women’s favourites: Elena Rybakina will defend her title, but Aryna Sabalenka will likely be the market leader given her extraordinary consistency at this event. Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek will attract support as well, while Madison Keys (2025 champion) could offer value.

For detailed betting tips when the 2027 tournament begins, visit our tennis betting tips page.

Australian Open Betting Trends & Statistics

Understanding historical trends can sharpen your Australian Open betting. Here are the key patterns from recent editions:

• Djokovic’s dominance skews the data: Djokovic won 10 of 17 titles between 2008 and 2023. With his decline, the tournament has opened up significantly. Three different men have won the last three editions (Sinner, Sinner, Alcaraz), suggesting the market is more competitive than ever.
• Five-set thrillers favour fitness: The Australian Open has produced more five-set finals than any other Grand Slam in recent years. Nadal’s 2022 comeback from two sets down and Sinner’s 2024 rally from 0-2 both demonstrate that physical conditioning is paramount in the Melbourne heat.
• Top seeds dominate the men’s draw: Every men’s champion since 2014 has been seeded in the top 4. The hard courts in Melbourne rarely produce the kind of surface-specific upsets seen at Wimbledon or Roland Garros.
• Women’s draw is more open: Seven different women have won the Australian Open in the last seven editions (2020-2026). Sabalenka’s back-to-back titles (2023-2024) are the exception rather than the rule, and the tournament has been fertile ground for new champions.
• Heat plays a factor: First-week matches played in extreme heat (above 35C) tend to produce more upsets, as lower-ranked players with superior fitness can outlast higher-seeded opponents who are less accustomed to the conditions.
• Return game matters: The GreenSet surface does not produce as many free points on serve as grass or faster hard courts. Strong returners like Djokovic, Medvedev, and Sinner have historically thrived in Melbourne.

Australian Open 2027 Schedule

The 2027 Australian Open dates are yet to be confirmed, but the tournament typically takes place across the final two weeks of January. Based on previous years, the expected schedule is:

Date (estimated)	Round	Notes
6-9 Jan	Qualifying	Melbourne Park
18-19 Jan	First Round	All courts in action
20-21 Jan	Second Round
22-23 Jan	Third Round
24-25 Jan	Fourth Round (R16)
26 Jan	Australia Day	Quarter-final day, biggest crowd
27-28 Jan	Quarter-finals
29-30 Jan	Semi-finals
31 Jan	Women’s Singles Final
1 Feb	Men’s Singles Final

Play typically begins at 11am AEDT (midnight GMT) on outside courts, with Rod Laver Arena sessions starting at 11am and 7pm AEDT (midnight and 8am GMT). For UK viewers, the evening session matches begin around 8am GMT, making the Australian Open the most accessible Grand Slam for early risers.

How to Watch the Australian Open in the UK

The Australian Open is broadcast in the UK by Eurosport and its streaming platform Discovery+. Eurosport provides comprehensive coverage across both channels, with dedicated coverage of Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena matches. A Discovery+ subscription starts at around £3.99 per month and includes access to all Eurosport content.

Bet365 also offers live streaming of Australian Open matches for account holders with a funded account or who have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. This is ideal for following the action while tracking your bets in real time.

To access Bet365 live streaming:

1. Go to Bet365.com via this special link
2. Register an account, make a first deposit and bet £10 to receive £30 in Bet Credits. See our Bet365 tennis offer guide*
3. Navigate to Tennis and select any Australian Open match with the play icon

*18+ only. New Customers only. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. T&Cs apply. Registration required. GambleAware.org.

Australian Open Match Previews & Tips

Check back ahead of the 2027 Australian Open for match previews, daily accumulator tips, and outright winner predictions. Our expert analysis covers every round from first round to final.

In the meantime, follow our tennis betting tips for coverage of the current ATP and WTA season, and visit our best tennis betting offers page for the latest bookmaker promotions. You can also explore our tennis live streaming guide to find out where to watch the action.

FAQs

When is the Australian Open 2027?

The 2027 Australian Open is expected to take place from mid-to-late January 2027 at Melbourne Park. Exact dates will be confirmed by Tennis Australia later in 2026.

Who won the Australian Open 2026?

Carlos Alcaraz won the men’s singles, defeating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Elena Rybakina won the women’s singles, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Who is the favourite to win the Australian Open 2027?

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are expected to head the men’s betting market, with Aryna Sabalenka likely to be the women’s favourite given her remarkable consistency in Melbourne. Updated odds will be available from Bet365 closer to the tournament.

How to watch the Australian Open in the UK?

The Australian Open is broadcast on Eurosport and Discovery+ in the UK. Bet365 live streaming also covers matches for account holders with a funded account.

Who has won the most Australian Open titles?

Novak Djokovic holds the men’s record with 10 titles (2008-2023). Margaret Court holds the women’s record with 11 titles, though most were won before the Open Era. Serena Williams holds the Open Era women’s record with 7 titles.

What surface is the Australian Open played on?

The Australian Open is played on GreenSet hard courts, a medium-paced acrylic surface. It is the only Grand Slam to use GreenSet, which produces a consistent bounce and rewards both power and precision.

What was special about the 2026 Australian Open?

Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest player in history to complete the career Grand Slam at 22, winning all four major titles. The tournament also featured record prize money of A$111,500,000 and saw Novak Djokovic become the oldest Australian Open finalist in the Open Era at 38.