Get ready, tennis fans! The schedule for Day 1 of the Australian Open 2026 is here, and it's packed with must-see matches. Two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka and top seed Carlos Alcaraz are set to light up the night session on Sunday.
Sabalenka, who claimed victory at the AO in 2023 and 2024, before a tough loss to Madison Keys last year, will kick off her campaign for a fifth major title against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Meanwhile, Alcaraz, aiming to conquer the only Grand Slam title that has eluded him, will face off against Australia's Adam Walton in the second night match at Rod Laver Arena.
The daytime session at Rod Laver Arena will feature women's seventh seed Jasmine Paolini against qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich, followed by an exciting first-round men's match between last year's runner-up, Alexander Zverev, and Canadian Gabriel Diallo.
Over at Margaret Court Arena, men's 18th seed Francisco Cerundolo will take on China's Zhizhen Zhang. This Sunday lineup also includes 2021 US Open champion and 28th seed Emma Raducanu, and men's 10th seed Alexander Bublik.
At John Cain Arena, the action begins no earlier than 5 PM, with American 29th seed Frances Tiafoe taking on Australian qualifier Jason Kubler. Following that, tennis legend Venus Williams, making her return to Melbourne Park after 2021, will face Serbia's Olga Danilovic.
And this is the part most people miss... The schedule is set, but the drama is unpredictable! Who do you think will make the biggest splash on Day 1? Will Sabalenka continue her dominance, or will Alcaraz finally claim the Australian Open title? Let me know your predictions in the comments below!
