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The summer of tennis is well and truly upon us – and the world’s best players are all hoping for their chance to lift the coveted silverware.

Whether you intend to make your way down to Melbourne Park for Australia’s grand slam, or want to tune into the action from your living room, here is a comprehensive guide of everything you need to know.

When and where is the Australian Open?

The main draw of this year’s tournament begins on Sunday, January 12. The women’s singles final will be held on January 25 and men’s singles final on January 26.

All matches are held in the Melbourne Park precinct, which includes Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena and the outdoor courts. Gates will open at 10am for ticket holders throughout the tournament, and slightly later during the final weekend.

This is the second year that the event is running over 15 days after the tournament start was moved to a Sunday in 2024. This was done to try and limit late finishes – although this didn’t stop Daniil Medvedev staying on the court until almost 4am last year.

Who will be playing?

There is no shortage of stars who will be fighting for their chance at grand slam glory.

Reigning singles champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka will both return to Melbourne Park in an attempt to retain their titles.

Sinner, currently ranked world No.1, has faced plenty of scrutiny recently following the detection of a banned steroid in his system.

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time grand slam winner, has returned to Melbourne Park, looking to win the tournament for an incredible 11th time. The 37-year-old is currently ranked world No.7.

Young gun Carlos Alcaraz, still only 21, will be looking to pick up his maiden Australian Open trophy after falling to Alex Zverev in last year’s quarter-finals. It’s the only slam title he is yet to win.

Australia’s hopes largely rest on the shoulders of world No.8 Alex de Minaur, who is yet to progress past the fourth round at his home slam. He made the quarter-finals at the three other majors in 2024.

Nick Kyrgios is also expected to make a return to the grand slam circuit under a protected ranking. But his fitness has been in doubt throughout this week, with injury threatening his involvement.

Some other players to look out for are 2024 singles runner-up Medvedev, men’s world No.2 Zverev, five-time singles champion Iga Swiatek and 2023 US Open winner Coco Gauff.

What does the schedule look like?

The first round of the Australian Open already contains some exciting match-ups.

In the men’s competition, defending champion Jannik Sinner takes on Chilean Nicolas Jarry in his first round, while Novak Djokovic drew American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy.

Australia’s leading hope de Minaur has a tough opener against Botic van de Zandschulp from the Netherlands, who got the better of Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open last year.

Meanwhile, Kyrgios will play Jacob Fearnley of Great Britain in his first round match. This is a good outcome for the 29-year-old, who escapes a clash with a seeded player.

In the women’s competition, 2024 champion Sabalenka has drawn a tough first match – she’ll face American and previous grand slam winner Sloane Stephens.

Third seed Gauff also has a battle on her hands – matched up with 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.

Maya Joint, the up-and-coming Australian teenager, will play former world No.3 Jessica Pegula. Emerson Jones will have a tall mountain to climb, with the Australian up against sixth seed Elena Rybakina.

Australian wildcards Daria Saville and Ajla Tomljanovic have both escaped seeded players in their first round – they will play Anna Blinkova and Ashlyn Krueger respectively.

All match times will be updated on the AO match schedule online.

How much do tickets cost?

There are a few different options available to fans who are keen to catch some of the action.

Ground pass tickets, depending on seating availability, offer access to the outdoor courts and unreserved areas in John Cain Arena. Attendees can also access the wider Melbourne Park precinct.

Ground passes are offered at a lower price during the second week of the tournament, when fewer matches are played on the outdoor courts.

There are also night ground passes available – which allows visitors to access the ground from 5pm onwards – starting from $25.

The price of reserving a seat in one of the arenas (either Rod Laver, Margaret Court or John Cain) will depend on the round and the seats selected. Admission can be bought to either a day or a night session, and also includes access to the wider precinct.

Tickets are available to buy online from the Australian Open website and via Ticketmaster.

What else is there to do?

Some of the city’s best food, drink and entertainment options will be available within the precinct, including activities for the whole family.

A range of popular Melbourne restaurants will be on-site for the first time, including Entrecôte, A1 Bakery, El Jannah, and Good Days Vietnamese. Familiar favourites such as D.O.C, Fishbowl and Stalactites will also be returning.

For kids, the Ballpark area will feature an obstacle course, mini tennis courts, a waterslide and an entertainment stage.

For those who are slightly older, new entertainment area TOPCOURT has been “designed for Gen Z fans”. It includes a digital gaming zone, live music, beauty retail outlets and a range of food and drink offerings.

If visitors are feeling inspired after watching some of the world’s best, there are padel and POP tennis courts available to the public. The inaugural AO Pickleball Slam will also take place on the final weekend of the tournament, where top international players compete for major prizes.

Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day will be held during the first week, which will celebrate First Nations culture. Week two will feature an all-abilities day (January 21), women and girls day (January 23) and pride day (January 24).

AO Live is the tournament’s major music offering – featuring performances from artists including Kaytranada, Kesha and Bag Raiders. Admission to these concerts is purchased through a separate ticket, which includes Ground Pass access.

How do I get there?

Melbourne Park is accessible by foot, tram, car bus or train. It’s around a 20 to 25-minute walk from Melbourne’s CBD, along the Yarra River and through Birrarung Marr.

For those travelling by car, there is public parking at the nearby Yarra Park. Designated ride-share zones along Olympic Boulevard are available for patron use.

The site is also easily accessible via public transport. Train travellers can exit at Flinders Street Station, Jolimont Station or Richmond Station, and then follow pedestrian signs to one of the park’s three entrances.

Route 70 and 70a trams also make stops close to the precinct, as well as the route 246 bus.

How else can I watch the matches?

There are plenty of ways you can tune into the Open, meaning you don’t have to miss any of the action.

For those watching from home, every court is available to be streamed online via 9Now and Stan Sport. Nine’s free-to-air stations will also broadcast a selection of matches throughout each day.

There will also be public screenings of matches at Federation Square and the AO Hilltop – located at Birrarung Marr. Entry to both of these sites is free.

Commentators for the tournament include John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Jelena Dokic, Todd Woodbridge, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Stosur and Dylan Alcott. Olympic champions Jess Fox and Ariarne Titmus will also join the commentary team.

Watch all the Australian Open action live on Nine, 9Now and Stan from Sunday, January 12.

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