Novak Djokovic and Arnya Sabalenka are ready to defend their Australian Open titles as the first grand slam of the season gets underway in Melbourne today. The Serb secured the 22nd slam of his career 12 months ago with a straight-sets victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6. Djokovic has since gone on to win two further slams putting him ahead of Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams in the all-time list.
After almost a year on the sidelines, Nadal would dearly love to close the gap on his great rival but that won’t be happening down under as the Spaniard has been forced to withdraw with a micro muscle tear.
In the women’s tournament, Sabalenka came from behind to see off Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 but it is Iga Swiatek who finished the year as world No. 1 ensuring that the Pole will be the top-ranked seed Down Under.
Express Sport has pulled together everything you need to know to follow this year’s Australian Open.
When is the Australian Open?
The Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park from Sunday, January 14 until Sunday, January 28. This year’s tournament is starting on a Sunday for the first time, with the first round being scheduled over three days.
What TV channel is the Australian Open on?
The Australian Open will be broadcast live in the UK by Eurosport, which is part of the discovery+ network. If you don’t already subscribe to the channel, an Entertainment & Sport pass is £6.99 per month or get an annual pass for £59.99.
Is there a live stream for the Australian Open?
discovery+ has its own app which can be used to live stream the action via all major Smartphones, tablets, laptops and SMART TVs.
Australian Open schedule
Day 1
Sunday, 14 January – Start of Round 1 – Men’s Singles / Women’s Singles
Day 3
Tuesday, 16 January – Start of Round 1 – Men’s Doubles / Women’s Doubles
Day 5
Thursday, 18 January – Start of Round 1 – Mixed Doubles
Day 7
Saturday 20 January – Start of Round 1 – Junior Boys’ Singles / Junior Girls’ Singles
Day 8
Sunday 21 January – Start of Round 1 – Junior Boys’ Doubles / Junior Girls’ Doubles
Day 10
Tuesday 23 January – Start of Round 1 – Men’s Wheelchair Singles / Women’s Wheelchair Singles / Quad Wheelchair Singles
Day 11
Wednesday 24 January – Start of Round 1 -Men’s Wheelchair Doubles / Women’s Wheelchair Doubles / Quad Wheelchair Doubles
Semifinals – Mixed Doubles Semifinals
Day 12
Thursday 25 January – Women’s Singles Semifinals, Men’s Doubles Semifinals, Junior Boys’ Doubles Semifinals, Junior Girls’ Doubles Semifinals, Men’s Wheelchair Singles Semifinals, Women’s Wheelchair Singles Semifinals, Quad Wheelchair Singles Semifinals, Men’s Wheelchair Doubles Semifinals, Women’s Wheelchair Doubles Semifinals, Quad Wheelchair Doubles Semifinals
Day 13
Friday, 26 January – Mixed Doubles Final, Junior Boys’ Doubles Final, Junior Girls’ Doubles Final, Quad Wheelchair Doubles Final, Men’s Wheelchair Doubles Final, Women’s Wheelchair Doubles Final
Men’s Singles Semifinals, Women’s Doubles Semifinals, Junior Boys’ Singles Semifinals, Junior Girls’ Singles Semifinals
Day 14
Saturday, 27 January – Women’s Singles Final (8.30am), Men’s Doubles Final, Junior Boys’ Singles Final, Junior Girls’ Singles Final, Men’s Wheelchair Singles Final, Women’s Wheelchair Singles Final, Quad Wheelchair Singles Final
Day 15
Sunday 28 January – Men’s Singles Final (8.30am), Women’s Doubles Final
