Mumbai: Sony Sports Network has announced the exclusive broadcast of the Australian Open 2026, the first Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, with live coverage beginning January 18 from Melbourne Park. Fans across India will be able to follow the world’s top tennis stars as they compete across men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and wheelchair events.
The tournament will feature leading international players including Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Novak Djokovic, and Aryna Sabalenka. The women’s singles final is scheduled for January 31, followed by the men’s singles final on February 1, 2026.
All matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network channels and streamed on Sony LIV, with coverage available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The broadcaster will also bring back its popular live studio show Extraaa Serve, offering expert analysis and match insights throughout the tournament.
For the first time, Extraaa Serve will be hosted by Australian sports presenter Grace Hayden, alongside a panel featuring Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza, former Olympian Somdev Devvarman, and tennis commentator Vedika Anand.
The Australian Open 2026 is expected to deliver high-voltage clashes, including potential early encounters between Carlos Alcaraz and rivals such as Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev. Djokovic will be aiming for a historic 25th Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.
Indian tennis fans will also be closely following Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, who is set to make his Australian Open debut in the doubles event alongside Thailand’s Pruchya Isarofor.
On the women’s side, the draw promises intense competition, with a potential showdown between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, while Coco Gauff could face a stern test against Elena Rybakina’s powerful serve.
Adding to the excitement, the tournament will open with a special exhibition match on January 17, 2026, featuring tennis legends Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt at Rod Laver Arena.
Sony Sports Network has also rolled out a high-energy promotional campaign for the tournament, drawing on India’s cultural association with Australia through cricket. Reimagining the iconic chant “Aussie Aussie Aussie…Oi Oi Oi!” as “Aussie Aussie…AO AO AO!”, the campaign aims to bridge cricket fandom with tennis enthusiasm. The campaign tagline, ‘Where Greatness Begins the Australian Way’, positions the Australian Open as the first major global sporting spectacle of the year.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “The prestigious Australian Open promises to kick off an exciting tennis season this year with stars like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek headlining the tournament. At Sony Sports Network, we are committed to bringing every moment of this breathtaking action to fans across India. That’s why we’ve launched our campaign, ‘Aussie Aussie… AO AO AO!’, which blends the energy of cricket with world-class tennis to create a true celebration. This year also marks the return of our studio show, Extraaa Serve, hosted by the immensely popular Grace Hayden and featuring Indian tennis legends Sania Mirza and Somdev Devvarman along with Vedika Anand, promising viewers elite action and engaging analysis right from the very first serve.”
Grace Hayden, Australian sports Presenter & Commentator, Host – Extraaa Serve, said, “I am absolutely thrilled & delighted to make my debut with Sony Sports Network for the Australian Open 2026! It’s a massive milestone that allows me to share my passion for my home country and the non-stop action of grand slam tennis with Indian fans whom I love so much. Growing up Down Under surrounded by sporting excellence has fueled a love for all sport, not just cricket! I love the intensity that tennis brings to every game, and with Melbourne Park feeling like home, I can’t wait to bring you the storylines, spotlight the emerging talent, and channel that vibrant ‘Aussie Aussie…AO AO AO!’ energy straight to your screens.”
Sania Mirza, Indian tennis legend and former World No. 1 in doubles, added, “The Australian Open has always been special with its electric atmosphere and hard-court intensity. I expect Iga Swiatek to defend her form fiercely in women’s singles, while Carlos Alcaraz’s athleticism could edge out Djokovic in a blockbuster final. For Indians, watch for doubles fireworks as our players are ready to shine. This edition of the Australian Open will blend emerging talent with veterans, delivering non-stop thrills.”
Somdev Devvarman, Olympian and Asian Games Gold medalist, said, “Australian Open 2026 promises epic rivalries on the fast Melbourne courts. Novak Djokovic thrives here and could chase another title, but Alcaraz’s speed and Sabalenka’s power might steal the show. I’m excited for the Indian challengers in the doubles as they have the game to upset seeds. Expect high drama, upsets, and a tournament that sets the tone for the Slam season.”
Vedika Anand, Indian tennis commentator and analyst, said, “The first Slam of the year always brings fresh energy, but Melbourne conditions are a real test of how well players have prepared in the off-season. On the men’s side, I’m looking forward to seeing Jannik, Novak, and Carlos back in action, but it’ll also be interesting to watch how players like Zverev, Fritz, and home boy Alex de Minaur handle these courts. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina should thrive here, though the depth of the field means the early rounds won’t be easy. For Indian tennis, we have strong doubles representation and a genuine opportunity to carry forward the legacy Rohan Bopanna has built at this tournament.”
