Australian Open 2026 day 1 schedule and streaming details: Alcaraz, Sabalenka, and Venus Williams to play

The 2026 Australian Open kicks off on January 18 at Melbourne Park, promising thrilling matchups. Day 1 features world No. 1s, defending finalists, and the legendary Venus Williams' return at 45.

Alcaraz, Venus Williams and Emma Raducanu will play their first round matches on Day 1.

Tennis fans around the globe have turned their eyes toward Melbourne Park as the 2026 Australian Open officially kicks off this Sunday, January 18th. With the release of the Day 1 schedule, the tournament organizers have ensured an electric start, featuring world No. 1s, defending finalists, and a historic return from a living legend.

From the high-octane night session at Rod Laver Arena to the nostalgia-fueled matches at John Cain Arena here is your comprehensive guide to the opening day of the "Happy Slam."

How to watch the Australian Open in India?

Fans across India can follow Djokovic’s journey through SonyLIV, accessible via OTTplay Premium. Coverage typically begins daily at 5.30 AM IST and 10 AM IST at Rod Laver Arena.

Rod Laver Arena: The crown jewels of Day 1

The tournament’s centerpiece court will host a blend of rising dominance and established power.

Day session: Zverev’s redemption begins

The afternoon session (starting at 6:00 AM IST) opens with women’s seventh seed Jasmine Paolini facing the tricky qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

Paolini, a breakout star of the last two seasons, will need to be sharp against the experienced Sasnovich to avoid an early upset.

Following them is a match that has "upset alert" written all over it. World No. 3 and 2025 runner-up Alexander Zverev takes on the towering Canadian Gabriel Diallo.

Zverev, who narrowly missed out on the title last year to Jannik Sinner, faces a dangerous opponent in Diallo, who has made a habit of reaching the second round in five consecutive majors.

Zverev’s elite backhand will be tested by the Canadian’s raw power in what promises to be a physical baseline battle.

Read also: AO 2026 Men’s draw: Sinner braced for early hurdles in pursuit of three-peat.

Night session: The top seeds take the stage

The prime-time slot (from 1:30 PM IST) belongs to the world’s best. Aryna Sabalenka the 2023 and 2024 champion, returns to the court where she has played her most dominant tennis.

After a heartbreaking loss to Madison Keys in last year’s final, Sabalenka begins her quest for a fifth major against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.

While the Belarusian is the heavy favorite, the world will be watching to see if her trademark aggressive serve is firing.

Closing out the night is the man everyone is talking about: Carlos Alcaraz. The top seed is on a mission to win the only Grand Slam trophy currently missing from his cabinet.

He starts his campaign against local favorite Adam Walton. Alcaraz recently defeated Alex de Minaur in a warm-up exhibition and looks to be in peak physical condition.

For Walton, playing Alcaraz at night on Rod Laver Arena is the opportunity of a lifetime, though he faces a mountainous task against the Spaniard's versatile shot-making.

Read also: 5 biggest sports events to watch out for in 2026

Margaret Court Arena: Youth and experience

Margaret Court Arena offers a Sunday slate that is equally compelling, featuring a former Grand Slam champion and some of the tour's most charismatic personalities.

Emma Raducanu vs. Monnay Sawangkaew: The 2021 US Open champion and 28th seed, Emma Raducanu headlines the night session. Raducanu has shown flashes of her best form during the Australian summer and will look to navigate past the Thai qualifier Sawangkaew to set up a potential blockbuster third-round clash with Sabalenka.

John Cain Arena: A historic milestone awaits

The "People’s Court" is set to host the most emotional story of the day.

At 45 years old the legendary Venus Williams makes her return to Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021. Accepting a wildcard, Williams will become the oldest woman to ever compete in the Australian Open singles main draw, breaking the record previously held by Kimiko Date.

Read also: Australian Open 2026: Know Novak Djokovic’s schedule, timings, records on the line, and streaming details

Venus faces Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in the night session (not before 11:30 AM IST). While Williams is the underdog in terms of ranking, her experience and the inevitable support of the Melbourne crowd make her a dangerous opponent.

A win here could set up a generational "Passing of the Torch" match against Coco Gauff in the second round.

Earlier on JCA, American star Frances Tiafoe (29th seed) meets Australian qualifier Jason Kubler. Expect a rowdy atmosphere as the "Big Foe" takes on a local hero known for his grit and determination.

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