The first round of the 2026 Australian Open is set to commence on January 17, 2026, at Melbourne Park. A host of top players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Iga Swiatek among the women, and Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on the men’s side, will compete for the prestigious title.
Fans looking to catch all the action can tune into ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes for the main broadcast. Coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET on January 17 and continues until 10 a.m. ET on January 18. For those interested in more personalized viewing, streaming options include DIRECTV and FuboTV, both offering free trials. Additionally, single courts will be available for streaming on ESPN+ and ESPN Unlimited.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Australian Open is a highlight in the tennis calendar, and this year’s first round promises to showcase thrilling matches. Viewers can access the tournament through various platforms:
– **TV Coverage**: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
– **Streaming Services**:
– DIRECTV: Free trial available, subscription price at $89.99
– FuboTV: Free trial available, subscription price at $73.99
– Sling: Subscription price at $45.99
– ESPN: Subscription price at $29.99, no free trial
As play begins on the hard courts, the spotlight will be on players like Alcaraz, who is determined to secure his first Australian Open title.
Key Players and Their Aspirations
Carlos Alcaraz has made it clear that winning the Australian Open is a top priority for him in 2026. He aims to complete a career Grand Slam, joining a select group of players who have won all four major tournaments. “It’s going to be my first tournament of the season, and it’s really the main goal for me,” Alcaraz stated. Currently, he holds six Grand Slam titles, including two each from the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open.
At just 22 years old, Alcaraz is poised to become the youngest player in history to achieve this milestone if successful. His competitor, Iga Swiatek, also seeks to add the Australian Open to her collection of titles, having previously reached the semifinals twice. Swiatek, who has four titles from the French Open and one each from Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, remains focused on her performance rather than the pressure of expectations.
“I don’t need to choose which one is more important,” Swiatek remarked when asked about her goals. “I’m still young. I have plenty of time to achieve different goals in my career.”
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner enters this year’s tournament as a formidable contender, having won the last two Australian Opens and currently holding the No. 2 ranking. He is looking to add to his impressive record as he approaches a potential career Slam.
The competition promises to be intense, with both Sinner and Alcaraz recognized for their versatility on the court. “We are players who are pretty complete,” Sinner noted, highlighting their ability to adapt their play styles.
As anticipation builds for this year’s tournament, the Australian Open is set to deliver unforgettable matches and highlight the journeys of these elite athletes. With the first round just around the corner, tennis fans worldwide are eager to witness the unfolding drama and excitement of the event.