Australian Open 2026 serves up live tennis on Sony Sports

MUMBAI: The tennis year is about to wake up early, grab a flat white and head to Melbourne. The Australian Open 2026 begins on 18 January and Sony Sports Network is bringing every rally, roar and racquet smash live to Indian screens.

As the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open has a habit of setting the tone for what follows. This year promises no shortage of drama, with Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka all arriving with points to prove and trophies on their minds. The women’s final will be played on 31 January, followed by the men’s title clash on 1 February.

Sony’s coverage stretches wall to wall, with every match available across its sports channels and on Sony LIV. Fans can choose commentary in English, Hindi, Tamil or Telugu, making Melbourne Park feel just a little closer to home.

Adding colour between the points is the return of Sony’s studio show extraaa eerve. For the first time, it will be hosted by Australian presenter Grace Hayden, joined by Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza, former Olympian Somdev Devvarman and analyst Vedika Anand. Expect sharp analysis, lighter moments and plenty of insider insight as the tournament unfolds.

On court, the storylines are already writing themselves. Djokovic is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, while Alcaraz looks to stamp his authority early in the year. In the women’s draw, a potential Swiatek versus Sabalenka showdown has fans circling dates on the calendar, with Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina waiting in the wings.

There is also an Indian angle to watch out for. Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha is set to make his Australian Open debut in doubles, partnering Thailand’s Pruchya Isarofor and adding local interest to the later rounds.

The tournament gets an extra dash of nostalgia before the first serve, with an exhibition match on 17 January featuring Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt at Rod Laver Arena.

Off court, Sony has leaned into the Australian spirit with a playful campaign that borrows from cricket culture. The familiar chant of “Aussie Aussie” gets a tennis twist, turning into “Ao ao ao” and positioning the open as a loud, shared sporting celebration rather than a niche affair.

For early risers and night owls alike, the message is simple. January mornings just got a lot more interesting, and tennis season is officially back in session.