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Today is January 16, 2026, and the tennis calendar is packed. With the Australian Open in full swing at Melbourne Park, dozens of matches are happening across the Grand Slam’s 25 courts. Whether you’re watching from Delhi, New York, or Sydney, you’ll want to know who’s playing, when, and where. No fluff-just the real schedule for today’s matches, broken down by session and court.
Men’s Singles: ATP Round of 16
The men’s draw is heating up. The top four seeds all advanced, but there were surprises. Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, is on court 1 at 11:00 AM local time (1:30 AM IST) against Alex de Minaur. Sinner won their last meeting in Cincinnati last year, but de Minaur’s hard-court game is peaking. Expect long rallies and heavy topspin.
On Rod Laver Arena, Novak Djokovic takes on 21-year-old Spanish talent Carlos Alcaraz. This is their first meeting since the 2024 US Open final. Djokovic is 8-2 in Melbourne this decade. Alcaraz, though, has won five of his last six matches on hard courts. The match starts at 1:30 PM local time (4:00 AM IST).
On Show Court 3, Holger Rune faces Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at 12:30 PM local time (3:00 AM IST). Rune’s serve-and-volley game has improved dramatically this season. Davidovich Fokina, known for his clay-court craft, is adjusting to the faster surface. This could be a tactical chess match.
Women’s Singles: WTA Round of 16
The women’s side has been even more unpredictable. Iga Świątek, the defending champion and world No. 2, plays against 19-year-old American Coco Gauff at 12:00 PM local time (2:30 AM IST). Gauff beat Świątek in the 2023 US Open semifinal, but Świątek has won all five of their hard-court meetings since. Gauff’s forehand is explosive, but Świątek’s consistency on long rallies is unmatched.
On Margaret Court Arena, Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 3 seed, faces Madison Keys at 2:00 PM local time (4:30 AM IST). Sabalenka has won her last 14 matches in Melbourne. Keys, a former finalist, is playing her best tennis in years. Her serve is averaging 118 mph this tournament-faster than any player in the top 10.
On Court 14, Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, plays against Belinda Bencic. Rybakina’s flat groundstrokes are perfect for the fast Melbourne surface. Bencic, returning from injury, has reached the quarterfinals here for the first time since 2019. This match starts at 1:00 PM local time (3:30 AM IST).
Where to Watch Live
If you’re in India, you can stream all matches live on Sony Sports Network. The Sony LIV app offers free live streams for the first 30 minutes of every match. After that, a subscription unlocks full access. In the US, ESPN+ has every match. In Europe, beIN Sports covers all courts. For free highlights, the official Australian Open YouTube channel uploads full-match replays within 90 minutes of the final point.
Pro tip: Use the tournament’s official app. It sends push notifications when your favorite player starts. You’ll never miss a key point, even if you’re stuck in traffic in Delhi.
What to Watch For Today
There are three storylines you can’t ignore. First, can Djokovic make it to his 11th Australian Open final? He’s 89-5 in Melbourne since 2005. Second, is Coco Gauff finally ready to win a Grand Slam? She’s been close before, but this might be her best shot. Third, can a player outside the top 10 break through? Three unseeded players made the Round of 16 this year-the most since 2018.
Weather is also a factor. Melbourne hit 38°C yesterday. Players are using ice vests between sets. Some are changing shirts three times a match. Hydration stations are staffed with physios. The ball speed is up 7% compared to last year’s tournament. That means shorter points, more aces, and more pressure on returners.
Match Times in IST (India Standard Time)
- 11:00 AM AEST = 3:30 AM IST - Sinner vs. de Minaur (Court 1)
- 12:00 PM AEST = 4:30 AM IST - Świątek vs. Gauff (Margaret Court Arena)
- 12:30 PM AEST = 5:00 AM IST - Rune vs. Davidovich Fokina (Show Court 3)
- 1:00 PM AEST = 5:30 AM IST - Rybakina vs. Bencic (Court 14)
- 1:30 PM AEST = 6:00 AM IST - Djokovic vs. Alcaraz (Rod Laver Arena)
- 2:00 PM AEST = 6:30 AM IST - Sabalenka vs. Keys (Margaret Court Arena)
Don’t forget: matches can run long. If one goes to three sets, the next one may start 20-30 minutes late. Check the official app for real-time updates.
Who’s Out Today?
Several big names didn’t make it past the third round. Daniil Medvedev lost to Sebastian Korda in straight sets. On the women’s side, Jessica Pegula was upset by Liudmila Samsonova. Andreea Mitu, a qualifier from Romania, pulled off the biggest surprise by beating No. 7 seed Zheng Qinwen in three sets.
These upsets mean the draw is wide open. No top-5 seed has been eliminated yet, but the next round could shake things up. The quarterfinals will be a battle of experience versus youth.
Final Thoughts
Today’s matches aren’t just about who wins. They’re about momentum. Who’s peaking? Who’s under pressure? Who’s playing with freedom? The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year, and it sets the tone for the rest of the season. A win here can change a player’s career. A loss can trigger a long slump.
If you’re watching from India, grab a cup of chai, sit back, and enjoy the show. The best part? You don’t need to be a tennis expert to feel the tension. Just watch the eyes of the players. When they’re focused, the ball seems to move faster. When they’re tired, even a simple forehand can go wide.
There’s no better time to get into tennis than now. The game is faster, more physical, and more exciting than ever.
Where can I watch today’s tennis matches live from India?
In India, all Australian Open matches are streamed live on Sony Sports Network and the Sony LIV app. The first 30 minutes of each match are free. After that, you’ll need a subscription. You can also catch highlights on the official Australian Open YouTube channel within 90 minutes of the match ending.
What time do the matches start in India?
Melbourne is 2.5 hours ahead of India. So, a match starting at 11:00 AM in Melbourne begins at 3:30 AM IST. Most daytime matches in Australia fall between 3:30 AM and 6:30 AM Indian time. Night sessions in Melbourne (after 8 PM local time) air in India between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM IST.
Are there any Indian players competing today?
No Indian players are competing in today’s singles matches. Sumit Nagal and Arjun Kadhe both lost in the second round of qualifying. However, Indian doubles teams are still in the draw. Rohan Bopanna and Ramkumar Ramanathan are playing in the men’s doubles quarterfinals later today at 4:00 PM IST.
How do I know if a match has been delayed?
The official Australian Open app sends real-time alerts for delays due to weather, court changes, or match overruns. You can also check the tournament’s live scoreboard page-it updates every 30 seconds. If a match runs past its scheduled time, the next one usually starts 15-30 minutes later.
Why are some matches played on smaller courts?
The Australian Open uses a tiered court system. Top seeds play on Rod Laver Arena or Margaret Court Arena. Lower-ranked players and early-round matches are scheduled on smaller courts like Show Court 3 or Court 14. This helps manage crowds and TV schedules. Don’t assume a match on a small court is less important-upsets happen everywhere.
Can I get live scores without watching the match?
Yes. The ATP and WTA websites offer live point-by-point scoring. Apps like Tennis Live and FlashScore give you real-time stats: aces, winners, unforced errors, and serve speed. You can track your favorite player’s performance even if you’re at work or commuting.
Next Steps
If you’re watching today’s matches and want to go deeper, here’s what to do next. First, download the Australian Open app-it’s the only source with live court changes and player interviews. Second, follow the official Twitter/X accounts of the players you like. Many post behind-the-scenes clips right after their matches. Third, mark your calendar for the quarterfinals on January 18. That’s when the real drama begins.
And if you’re new to tennis? Start by watching just one match all the way through. Notice how the players move between points. How they breathe. How they react to a bad call. That’s where the real sport lives-not just in the score, but in the silence between shots.
