About Australian Open
The Australian Open is the first of tennis's four Grand Slam tournaments each year, played over two weeks in mid-to-late January at Melbourne Park. Nicknamed the 'Happy Slam', it draws the world's top players to Australia's summer heat. This live Australian Open countdown shows exactly how many days, hours and minutes remain until the next tournament begins, calculated in your own timezone.
First held in 1905 as the Australasian Championships, the event became the Australian Open in 1969 at the dawn of the professional era. It has been staged at Melbourne Park since 1988, when it also switched from grass to hard courts, played today on cushioned blue Plexicushion-style surfaces. Its show courts — led by Rod Laver Arena — have retractable roofs, so play continues through rain and extreme heat under the lights.
The Australian Open is held every January, the exact dates confirmed by Tennis Australia for each edition. This countdown targets the next tournament and rolls over once it ends. Whether you are planning to watch the night sessions or follow the chase for the trophy, bookmark the live Australian Open countdown or add it to your own page to track the start of the tennis season.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Tuesday, January 12, 2027next |
| 2028 | Wednesday, January 12, 2028 |
| 2029 | Friday, January 12, 2029 |
| 2030 | Saturday, January 12, 2030 |
| 2031 | Sunday, January 12, 2031 |
FAQ
When is the Australian Open?
The Australian Open is played over two weeks in mid-to-late January each year at Melbourne Park. The exact dates are set annually by Tennis Australia.
Why is the Australian Open important?
It is the first Grand Slam of the tennis season and one of only four majors, so it sets the tone for the year and offers ranking points and prize money among the sport's richest.
Where is the Australian Open held?
At Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, the tournament's home since 1988. Its main showpiece is Rod Laver Arena, which has a retractable roof for rain and heat.
How long has the Australian Open been played?
It was first held in 1905 as the Australasian Championships and became the Australian Open in 1969. It has been played on hard courts since 1988.