Melbourne, Australia – The Australian Open 2026, the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, delivered another compelling fortnight of world-class tennis at Melbourne Park. Featuring elite competition, high-profile clashes, and record prize money, the tournament once again reinforced its status as one of the most prestigious events in global sport.
Played on hard courts at Melbourne Park, the Australian Open continues to set benchmarks not only in sporting excellence but also in player rewards, infrastructure, and global viewership.
Record Prize Money at Australian Open 2026
One of the defining features of the 2026 Australian Open has been its record prize money pool, which reached AUD 111.5 million, equivalent to approximately ₹6,100–6,250 crore, making it the highest in the tournament’s history. Tennis Australia confirmed that prize money increased across all rounds, benefiting both early-round participants and finalists.
Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will receive AUD 4.15 million each, which is roughly ₹23–24 crore per champion, maintaining the tournament’s long-standing commitment to equal prize money. Runners-up, semifinalists, and doubles competitors also receive increased payouts, reflecting the Australian Open’s ongoing efforts to support players across the professional circuit.
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Women’s Singles Finalists Confirmed
The women’s singles final at the Australian Open 2026 will feature Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, two of the most dominant hard-court players on the WTA Tour.
Sabalenka advanced to the final after a strong semifinal performance, continuing her impressive record at Melbourne Park. Known for her power game and consistency on fast courts, she has once again demonstrated why the Australian Open remains one of her most successful Grand Slam venues.
Rybakina booked her place in the final with a composed display in the semifinals, using her serve and aggressive baseline play to overcome a tough field. The final sets up a high-quality contest between two players renowned for their physicality and shot-making.
Men’s Singles: Semifinal Stage and Key Storylines
The men’s singles draw has produced several notable storylines as the tournament progressed toward its conclusion. A major talking point came in the quarterfinals, when Lorenzo Musetti retired due to injury during his match against Novak Djokovic, sending the Serbian into the semifinals.
Djokovic’s run once again underlined his experience and resilience at the Australian Open, where he has historically enjoyed immense success. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his strong form in Melbourne, advancing through the latter stages with confident performances.
Alongside Sinner and Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev were among the players remaining deep in the draw, highlighting the blend of established champions and new-generation stars shaping the men’s game.
Australian Open Final Time and Schedule
The Australian Open 2026 finals are scheduled for the concluding weekend at Rod Laver Arena, which features a retractable roof to ensure uninterrupted play regardless of weather conditions.
- The women’s singles final will be played on Saturday, January 31, beginning at 12 noon local time (around 7:30 AM IST).
- The men’s singles final will follow on Sunday, February 1, with a scheduled start time of 7:30 PM AEDT (2 PM IST).
These timings are designed to accommodate global audiences, ensuring strong international viewership across multiple time zones.
Australian Open Live Streaming and Telecast in India
Indian tennis fans can follow the action through Australian Open live streaming on the SonyLIV app and website. Television coverage is available across the Sony Sports Network, including Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 2/HD, Sony Ten 3 (Hindi)/HD, and regional language options such as Sony Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu).
In addition, ESPN India provides supplementary coverage, ensuring fans have access to match updates, analysis, and highlights throughout the tournament.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Australian Open 2026 tickets went on general public sale in October 2025. Ticket details are available via the Ticketmaster App, with scannable tickets accessible from Tuesday, 25 November 2025.
For the 2026 men’s final, ticket prices vary widely based on seating and access. The cheapest seats start at around USD 1,299, which is approximately ₹1.05–1.10 lakh, while courtside and hospitality tickets can go up to USD 8,999, roughly ₹7.4–7.6 lakh.
The five commonly cited golden rules of tennis are: move your feet, know your grips, engage your non-dominant arm, monitor body tension, and avoid playing matches until you are ready.
The 80/20 rule in tennis is an informal coaching concept, not an official rule. It suggests that a small number of key points or decisions often have a major impact on match outcomes.
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