Madison Keys Celebrates Friday’s Australian Open Victory (Photo Courtesy of AP)
The 2026 Australian Open is already living up to its reputation as the “Happy Slam,” delivering high-stakes drama and massive upsets in the women’s draw. As we move into the second round, the landscape of the tournament has shifted with defending champion Madison Keys facing a tough title defense and several heavy hitters already packing their bags.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Australian Open Women’s schedule, highlights, and what to watch for next.
📅 Australian Open 2026 Women’s Schedule
The tournament follows a traditional two-week knockout format. While the order of play is released daily, the round-by-round schedule for the women’s singles is as follows:
First Round | Jan 18 – Jan 20 | 128 players compete to stay in the draw.
Second Round | Jan 21 – Jan 22 | Top seeds look to find their rhythm.
Third Round | Jan 23 – Jan 24 | The “Business End” begins.
Fourth Round | Jan 25 – Jan 26 | Round of 16 matchups.
Quarter-finals | Jan 27 – Jan 28 | The battle for the final four.
Semi-finals | Jan 29 | Two high-stakes matches on Rod Laver Arena.
Women’s Final | Jan 31 | The crowning of the 2026 Champion.
Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open (Photo Courtesy of AP)
🎾 Highlights: What Happened So Far?
The opening three days have been a rollercoaster for the WTA’s top stars.
1. The “Jellyfish” Return of Naomi Osaka
Two-time champion Naomi Osaka stole the headlines on Day 3, not just for her tennis but for her avant-garde “jellyfish-inspired” outfit. On the court, she survived a major scare against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic, battling back from a break down in the final set to win 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
2. Major Upsets: Seeds Falling Early
Melbourne Park has already claimed several high-profile victims:
* Leylah Fernandez (22): Stunned by unseeded Janice Tjen, who became the first Indonesian woman in 28 years to win a match at the Australian Open.
* Ekaterina Alexandrova (11): Ousted by Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez in a gritty three-set battle.
* Maya Joint (30): The rising Australian star fell to Czech teenager Tereza Valentova, disappointing the home crowd.
3. Defending the Crown
Reigning champion Madison Keys began her title defense with a shaky but successful start, overcoming early nerves and a spirited performance from Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova. Meanwhile, favorites Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have looked clinical in their opening rounds as they eye a deep run.
Jessica Pegula (Photo Courtesy of AP)
🔮 What’s Next for the Women?
As we transition into the second round (starting Wednesday, January 21), keep an eye on these emerging storylines:
* The Sabalenka vs. Swiatek Rivalry: Both are on a collision course for the final. Swiatek is hunting for her first Australian Open title to complete her career Grand Slam, while Sabalenka wants her third Melbourne trophy.
* American Dominance: With Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova all advancing comfortably, the U.S. contingent looks like the strongest group in the draw.
* The “Giant Killers”: Watch for Janice Tjen and Zeynep Sonmez to see if they can maintain their momentum against seeded opponents in the second round.
🎥 How to Watch
* Australia: Nine Network & 9Now.
* USA: ESPN & Tennis Channel.
* UK: Eurosport & discovery+.
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Viorica Bruni Editor Athletica Sports Web Publication
