The 2026 Australian Open once again kicks off the tennis season in spectacular fashion, bringing two weeks of world-class action from Melbourne to audiences around the globe. The tournament takes place at Melbourne Park, running from Sunday 18 January to Sunday 1 February 2026, with qualifying beginning the week before.

As the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open often sets the tone for the season. Played on hard courts under the intense Australian summer heat, it is known for dramatic night sessions, packed stadiums, and long, physical matches. Defending champions return looking to start the year strongly, while a new generation of contenders aim to make an early statement on one of tennis’s biggest stages.

For viewers in the UK and Ireland, 2026 marks a significant change in coverage. TNT Sports holds the exclusive live broadcast rights for the entire tournament, showing every match from every court. This includes the main draw and the qualifying rounds. Fans can also stream all live action via Discovery+, with access available through the TNT Sports add-on. As expected with an Australian-based event, most matches will air overnight and in the early morning UK time.

There is also good news for viewers who prefer free-to-air coverage. Quest, available on Freeview channel 17, will broadcast extended daily highlights throughout the tournament, typically airing late in the evening around 11pm. While this does not include live matches, it offers a comprehensive round-up of each day’s key moments, big matches, and standout performances.

The closure of Eurosport in the UK has left many viewers frustrated, particularly those who had relied on it as part of Sky’s lower-cost TV packages. For years, Eurosport offered extensive live sport — including tennis Grand Slams, cycling, and winter sports — without requiring a premium subscription. Its absorption into TNT Sports has ended that era, forcing fans to upgrade to a significantly more expensive TNT Sports or Discovery+ subscription to follow the same events. For many households, especially casual sports viewers, the loss of Eurosport represents a shift away from affordable access to live sport and has sparked widespread dissatisfaction over rising subscription costs and reduced choice.

Across Europe, Warner Bros. Discovery continues to manage coverage, with live matches shown on Eurosport and associated streaming platforms, depending on the country. Combined with official digital highlights, the 2026 Australian Open will be widely accessible, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the season’s opening Grand Slam.