Tennis never stops, and focus is already beginning to shift to next year’s first grand slam tournament – the Australian Open.

Australia will welcome the world’s best male and female players to the country in late December, with several events scheduled before the action begins at Melbourne Park in mid-January.

The Sporting News has all the key dates for the 2025 tournament.

When does the Australian Open start?

The Australian Open 2025 main draw will begin on Sunday, January 12.

It will mark the second consecutive year that the tournament has begun on a Sunday, with the extra day added to ease scheduling pressures.

The action will conclude at Melbourne Park on Sunday, January 26 – the day of the men’s singles final.

When does Australian Open qualifying start?

Qualifying for the year’s first grand slam tournament is slated for Monday, January 6 to Saturday, January 11. 

Players will battle over three rounds, with 16 spots in both the men’s and women’s main draws up for grabs.

Organisers have labelled this period ‘Opening Week’, with Melbourne Park to host exhibition matches, open practice sessions and Kids Tennis Day alongside qualifying.

Australian summer of tennis calendar

Tennis fans will have five ATP and WTA-sanctioned events to enjoy in the lead-up to the Australian Open in 2025.

The United Cup – a mixed-team event – headlines the calendar, with plenty of stars also set to feature in notable tournaments in Brisbane and Adelaide.