Channel 9 once again takes centre court this summer as the exclusive Australian broadcaster of the 2026 Australian Open, bringing wall to wall coverage of the year’s first Grand Slam to viewers at home.
With a stacked men’s and women’s draw, strong Australian representation and expanded coverage across broadcast and streaming, this year’s event shapes as one of the most compelling editions in recent memory.
Where to watch the Australian Open 2026
Australian Open 2026 coverage begins this Sunday, January 18, live and free across Channel 9HD and 9GemHD, with every match also streaming live on the networks free platform 9Now.
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Nine’s paid streamer Stan Sport will again carry every match live and on demand, including coverage in 4K, giving viewers full access to every court and every round across the tournament.
Across the fortnight, Nine will deliver more than 500 hours of coverage from Melbourne Park, spanning qualifying, exhibition matches and the full main draw.
Australian Open qualifying will also be available live and free on 9Now from today Monday, January 12.
Who’s in contention
The men’s draw is headlined by world number one Carlos Alcaraz, reigning champion Jannik Sinner chasing a third straight Australian Open title, and Novak Djokovic, who returns to Melbourne Park as a ten time champion.
On the women’s side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka leads the field, alongside Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys, Amanda Anisimova, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula.
Australian interest will be spread across both draws, with Alex de Minaur leading local hopes alongside Maya Joint, Ajla Tomljanovic, Alexei Popyrin, Thanasi Kokkinakis and a strong wildcard group including Emerson Jones, Rinky Hijikata, James Duckworth and Priscilla Hon.
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Nick Kyrgios is also set to feature in the men’s doubles competition.
Jelena Dokic returns to Melbourne Park as part of Nine’s Australian Open 2026 coverage across broadcast and streaming (image – Nine)
Hosts and commentary team
Nine’s Wide World of Sports coverage will be anchored by an extensive hosting and commentary lineup across the tournament.
James Bracey, Sylvia Jeffreys and Tony Jones will host coverage on Channel 9, while 9Gem will be led by Georgie Parker, Nick McArdle and Brett Phillips.
Expert commentary will come from Jim Courier, Jelena Dokic, John McEnroe, Todd Woodbridge, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Stosur, Dylan Alcott, John Millman, Casey Dellacqua, Sam Smith and Alicia Molik, alongside match callers Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis.
Reporting across Melbourne Park will include Bronte Gildea and Marlee Silva, with additional off court coverage from Natalie Yoannidis and Sam McClure.
Additional programming and opening week highlights
Beyond the live matches, Nine’s coverage will also feature a special Australian Open edition of The Hundred, with Andy Lee joined by Sophie Monk and Mike Goldstein.
Opening week action on Channel 9 includes the Million Dollar One Point Slam, a headline De Minaur v Alcaraz clash, and the inaugural Australian Open Opening Ceremony, featuring Roger Federer, Andre Agassi and Pat Rafter, alongside a live performance from Crowded House.
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Lead in events on the road to Melbourne Park will also air across Nine’s platforms, including the Adelaide International on 9Gem and 9Now.
Nine’s Director of Sport Brent Williams says the Australian Open remains the cornerstone of the summer sports calendar, combining elite on court action with the broader spectacle that surrounds Melbourne Park each January.
“The action never stops and you won’t miss a moment with unprecedented access and comprehensive coverage of the biggest matches and moments.”
With the world’s best converging on Melbourne Park for two weeks of action, Nine’s coverage again aims to ensure viewers do not miss a moment, across broadcast television, streaming and the networks news platforms.
Viewers are advised to check local TV guides and listings in their state for match times and channel information throughout the tournament.
The Australian Open 2026 begins Sunday, January 18, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, with every match also available on Stan Sport.
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