The schedule for the Australian Open opening week is out: Federer will headline alongside three former world No. 1s!

As the New Year draws near, the 2026 Australian Open opening week schedule has been freshly announced. Check out the specific timing below:

January 12: Qualifying matches commence

Like other Grand Slams, the tournament begins with qualifying rounds. It’s expected that several notable players with lower rankings will need to compete in the qualifiers. Which recognizable players might appear?

January 13: Zverev vs Musetti, Rybakina vs Zheng Qinwen, exhibition matches

The first round of exhibitions will feature four players who have collectively won two titles this season. Zverev was last year’s runner-up, and Zheng Qinwen has also reached a final, so fan interest is high. Adding the skillful and attractive Musetti and Rybakina ensures tickets will likely sell out quickly.

January 14: “One Point Shootout” Grand Prix + Svitolina vs Anisimova, exhibition matches

The “One Point Shootout” is a new exhibition event at the Australian Open, attracting many top players this year, including Alcaraz, Sinner, and Gauff. Svitolina and Anisimova will also compete, promising a thrilling contest.

January 15: Australian Open draw day + Alcaraz vs Deminar, exhibition match

January 16: Sinner vs Aliassime, exhibition match

On the draw day, the world No. 1 will join the home favorite to kick off the event’s excitement early. The next day will feature a replay of this season’s US Open semifinal, with the standout post-2000 player Sinner facing the record-holder among his generation, Aliassime.

January 17: Opening ceremony and “World No. 1 showdown” featuring Federer, Agassi, Rafter, Hewitt + Kids’ Day

The opening ceremony will be held on the 17th. Do you remember when the 17th seed achieved a Grand Slam breakthrough between 2017 and 2018?

Federer will appear alongside three former world No. 1s, including Grand Slam winner Agassi, two-time US Open champion Rafter, and former home hero plus Wimbledon and US Open champion Hewitt, raising the anticipation for the entire event to its peak.

Of course, there is still some time before the official start of the tournament, and since player fitness for these events is uncertain, changes remain possible. However, this series of activities for the new season’s Australian Open features top talents and exciting events, already whetting fans’ appetites greatly.

However, Djokovic has yet to appear in any event, likely focusing on preparation for his bid for an 11th title. Among these events, which day’s activities are you most looking forward to?(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)