Grand Slam

Open d’Australie 2026

Melbourne, Australia 18 January - 1 February 2026 Hard (Outdoor) 128 players

Prize Money $76,500,000

Analysis

Melbourne is the ultimate test on the ATP tour. Two weeks of tennis, sometimes with absurd heat (over 40°C), sometimes with conditions changing from one day to the next. The matches are played during the day under a scorching sun (which speeds up the courts and dries out the ball) and in the night session where the rising humidity slows everything down considerably. It is literally two different tournaments on the same courts.

Playing during the day or at night session is crucial in Melbourne. During the day, the courts play dry and fast, the bounce is good, and it's pleasant for the attacking players. In the evening, the humidity completely changes the speed of the game: the rallies get longer, the balls come back strangely, and you have to construct the points much more. The same player can dominate during the day and struggle at night.

Sinner has won two tournaments in a row, and it's no coincidence: he represents the complete modern profile - a modern serve with kick and speed, a baseline power that allows him to dictate play, and above all the endurance to play 10-12 matches in 5 sets without collapsing. In Melbourne, there are no tactical shortcuts: you have to be good everywhere.

The Rod Laver Arena with its roof is a key factor. When the roof closes, you go from an outdoor tournament to an indoor tournament, and the speed changes a lot. Courts 5-10 outside play slower. The closed roof also slows down the ball. It's a factor that few people notice, but it can explain why a player plays well on the outdoor courts and struggles at Laver.

Playing Conditions

Speed

Medium

Altitude

5 m

Surface

Hard

Low altitude (5 m) Sometimes extreme heat Variable humidity Relatively neutral bounce Day session: heat accelerates the conditions Evening session: heavier air slows down the rallies

Statistical Analysis

72.2%

1st Serve Points Won

80.7%

Service Games Won

0.19

Tie-breaks Per Set

0.56

Aces Per Game

Balanced stats for a true Grand Slam: no single element of the game dominates, which means you have to be good everywhere. 80.7% of service games won is already low for a fast Grand Slam, proof that in Melbourne they really make you work to hold your serve.

Favored Profiles

Complete players who serve decently, Return well, Defend without fail and have enough baseline power to impose when needed. Physical endurance is the key: two weeks kills players who are not prepared.

Players who are too dependent on a single playing style risk being exposed.