The draw for the Australian Open 2026 — the first Grand Slam tournament of the calendar year — took place in Melbourne. In the first round, Elena Rybakina (World No. 5) will face Slovenian Kaja Juvan (97), and Alexander Bublik (10) will challenge American Jenson Brooksby (48).
Kazakhstani player Zarina Diyas (285), who earned a wild card by winning the AO Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff, will meet Spain’s Paula Badosa (26). Yulia Putintseva (105) will play Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia (59). Alexander Shevchenko (104), who is continuing his run at the ATP 250 Adelaide International, will face a qualifier or a lucky loser.
The doubles draw will take place later.
The ceremony was hosted by renowned Australian tennis player, 16-time major champion, and broadcaster Todd Woodbridge, and Jelena Dokic, who not long ago was shining on the WTA events.
The Australian Open is an annual hard-court Grand Slam tournament and the first of the four majors in the calendar year.
The main-draw matches of the 114th Australian Open will be held in Melbourne from Jan. 18 to Feb. 1. The total prize money for the first Grand Slam event of 2026 is $74.8 million, marking a 16% increase.
