Catch the Action of the 2026 Australian Open
The First Round of the 2026 Australian Open kicks off with tennis's biggest names set to dazzle us this weekend. From defending champions to up-and-coming talents, it's a tournament ripe with excitement and potential surprises.
Viewing Details You Need to Know
- When: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 10:00 PM ET (first televised coverage)
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Men's Singles: Star-Studded Matchups
The men's first round promises fascinating matchups as world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz performs against Australia's own Adam Walton. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner steps onto the court with a title to defend against France's tough Hugo Gaston.
Notable names such as Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev are also in the mix, adding layers of intrigue to early-round competition. Keep an eye on potential dark horses like Alexander Bublik.
Moreover, local favorite Alex de Minaur faces a challenging opener against former Grand Slam semifinalist Matteo Berrettini, raising the stakes in what promises to be a classic first round.
Women's Singles: A Powerhouse Lineup
On the women's side, the spotlight shines brightly on world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is keen on setting a strong tone for her title aspirations. She's joined in the battle by elite competitors Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff.
The first round also marks the much-anticipated return of Venus Williams at age 45. Along with defending champion Madison Keys, these athletes promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
With a plethora of seeded players facing formidable challenges, the women's first round combines high-stakes competition with captivating narratives that encapsulate the essence of Grand Slam tennis.
Key TV Schedule for the First Round
Here's a quick rundown of essential viewing times:
- Saturday, January 17 - 10 PM ET - ESPN2
- Sunday, January 18 - 3:00 AM ET - ESPN2
- Sunday, January 18 - 7:00 PM ET - ESPN2
- Tuesday, January 20 - 3:00 AM ET - ESPN2
Understanding the Odds
These players bring not only talent but also betting lines that highlight their standing in the tournament:
| Men's Singles Winner | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jannik Sinner | (−120) |
| Carlos Alcaraz | (+180) |
| Novak Djokovic | (+1600) |
| Daniil Medvedev | (+3000) |
| Alexander Zverev | (+3500) |
| Taylor Fritz | (+6000) |
| Alex De Minaur | (+6500) |
| Felix Auger-Aliassime | (+8000) |
| Ben Shelton | (+8000) |
| Lorenzo Musetti | (+10000) |
Odds Courtesy of DraftKings
A Weekend Not to Miss
This weekend promises to be thrilling for tennis fans. Make certain to catch every thrilling moment as our beloved athletes embark on their journey at the 2026 Australian Open!
Source reference: https://www.newsweek.com/how-to-watch-2026-australian-open-live-stream-mens-womens-first-round-singles-tv-channel-schedule-odds-11369819
