Complete Guide to the Australian Open Finals: Key Details Revealed
The Australian Open finals for 2026 promise to deliver thrilling matches as the world’s best players take the stage. Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, will face off against Elena Rybakina in the singles final. The doubles championship features Elise Mertens paired with Zhang Shuai against Aleksandra Krunić and Anna Danilina. Both matches are set for January 31, 2026, at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.
2026 Australian Open Singles Final Preview
Aryna Sabalenka has progressed to her eighth Grand Slam final, continuing her impressive form. She has not lost a set in this tournament, echoing her success in 2023 and 2024. Sabalenka’s journey to the final includes victories over:
- Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah: 6-4, 6-1
- Zhuoxuan Bai: 6-3, 6-1
- Anastasia Potapova: 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7)
- Victoria Mboko: 6-1, 7-6 (1)
- Iva Jovic: 6-3, 6-0
- Elina Svitolina: 6-2, 6-3
Elena Rybakina also boasts an impressive run, remaining set-free until the finals. Her path includes notable victories against:
- Kaia Juvan: 6-4, 6-3
- Varvara Gracheva: 7-5, 6-2
- Tereza Valentova: 6-2, 6-3
- Elise Mertens: 6-1, 6-3
- Iga Swiatek: 7-5, 6-1
- Jessica Pegula: 6-3, 7-6 (7)
Doubles Final Highlights
In the doubles final, Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai are set to compete against Aleksandra Krunić and Anna Danilina. Mertens and Zhang had a challenging route, featuring a thrilling second-round match that went to a tense tiebreak:
- Sorana Cirstea & Anna Kalinskaya: 6-4, 6-2
- Iva Jovic & Victoria Mboko: 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (10)
- Peyton Stearns & Hailey Baptiste: 6-4, 6-3
- Wu Fang-Hsien & Eri Hozumi: 4-6, 6-4, 6-3
- Vera Zvonareva & Ena Shibahara: 6-3, 6-2
Krunić and Danilina also faced adversity, defeating tough competitors including last year’s champions Siniakova and Townsend. Their route included:
- Quinn Gleason & Elena Pridankina: 7-5, 4-6, 6-0
- Arina Rodionova & Daria Kasatkina: 6-3, 6-4
- Maya Joint & Storm Hunter: 7-5, 7-6 (6)
- Taylor Townsend & Katerina Siniakova: 6-2, 3-6, 6-0
- Luisa Stefani & Gabriela Dabrowski: 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4
Critical Information for Fans
The finals will occur on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The singles match is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time, coinciding with 8:30 a.m. GMT and 3:30 a.m. EST. The doubles final is earlier at 12 p.m. local time, equivalent to 1 a.m. GMT and 8 p.m. EST on Friday.
Prize Money and Ranking Points
This year’s Australian Open boasts a record prize pool of AUD $111.5 million, a 16% increase from last year. Prize distribution includes:
| Category | Winner | Finalist |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | AUD $4.1 million (approx. USD $2.75 million) | AUD $2.15 million (approx. USD $1.44 million) |
| Doubles | AUD $900,000 (approx. USD $604,000) | AUD $485,000 (approx. USD $325,000) |
With 2,000 ranking points available for singles and doubles, the stakes are high. Regardless of the final outcome, Sabalenka will retain her top ranking, while Rybakina will move up to No. 3.
Final Thoughts
The rematch between Sabalenka and Rybakina is a highly anticipated event. Their powerful play and competitive history promise an electrifying atmosphere on the court. Fans look forward to witnessing this dynamic matchup as the Australian Open concludes its 2026 edition.
