Australian Open 2026: Comprehensive Order of Play for Thursday, January Twenty-Second
Elite stars including Djokovic, Sinner, Osaka and Pegula lead a packed second-round schedule at Melbourne Park
The Australian Open 2026 continues with a full slate of second-round matches on Thursday, January twenty-second at Melbourne Park, as the first Grand Slam of the season enters a pivotal stage.
The tournament, running from January eighteenth to February first on the hard courts of Melbourne, features both day and night sessions across multiple show courts with world-class competitors aiming to progress to the third round.
Play on Rod Laver Arena begins with an intriguing all-American clash in the day session, where sixth seed Jessica Pegula faces McCartney Kessler in early action.
Later in the afternoon, Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli meets ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, with the Serbian legend seeking another deep run at the “Happy Slam.” The evening sees Australia’s own James Duckworth take on defending champion and world No.2 Jannik Sinner in a marquee night session that is poised to draw significant local attention.
Naomi Osaka is scheduled to follow on Rod Laver Arena against Sorana Cîrstea in another highlight of the night.
Margaret Court Arena will host its own lineup of compelling matches, with former world No.1 Iga Świątek and Amanda Anisimova among the leading contenders set to compete in their second-round showdowns.
John Cain Arena’s schedule features Madison Keys, the defending women’s champion, in action against Ashly Krueger, while rising Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny faces eighth seed Ben Shelton in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.
Additional matches across the outer courts include continued singles campaigns for Rinky Hijikata and Taylah Preston on Kia Arena, and a doubles match featuring the popular Australian pair nicknamed the “Special Ks” competing against fellow countrymen Marc Polmans and Jason Kubler.
Madison Inglis, who secured a second-round spot with a strong performance earlier in the week, is scheduled to meet Laura Siegemund on ANZ Arena.
Thursday’s order of play reflects the depth and competitiveness of the Australian Open draw, where both seasoned champions and emerging talents aim to secure third-round berths and build momentum in Melbourne’s high-stakes summer conditions.
The full day’s schedule will unfold across the iconic venues of Melbourne Park, offering fans around the world continuous elite tennis action.
The tournament, running from January eighteenth to February first on the hard courts of Melbourne, features both day and night sessions across multiple show courts with world-class competitors aiming to progress to the third round.
Play on Rod Laver Arena begins with an intriguing all-American clash in the day session, where sixth seed Jessica Pegula faces McCartney Kessler in early action.
Later in the afternoon, Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli meets ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, with the Serbian legend seeking another deep run at the “Happy Slam.” The evening sees Australia’s own James Duckworth take on defending champion and world No.2 Jannik Sinner in a marquee night session that is poised to draw significant local attention.
Naomi Osaka is scheduled to follow on Rod Laver Arena against Sorana Cîrstea in another highlight of the night.
Margaret Court Arena will host its own lineup of compelling matches, with former world No.1 Iga Świątek and Amanda Anisimova among the leading contenders set to compete in their second-round showdowns.
John Cain Arena’s schedule features Madison Keys, the defending women’s champion, in action against Ashly Krueger, while rising Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny faces eighth seed Ben Shelton in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.
Additional matches across the outer courts include continued singles campaigns for Rinky Hijikata and Taylah Preston on Kia Arena, and a doubles match featuring the popular Australian pair nicknamed the “Special Ks” competing against fellow countrymen Marc Polmans and Jason Kubler.
Madison Inglis, who secured a second-round spot with a strong performance earlier in the week, is scheduled to meet Laura Siegemund on ANZ Arena.
Thursday’s order of play reflects the depth and competitiveness of the Australian Open draw, where both seasoned champions and emerging talents aim to secure third-round berths and build momentum in Melbourne’s high-stakes summer conditions.
The full day’s schedule will unfold across the iconic venues of Melbourne Park, offering fans around the world continuous elite tennis action.
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