The Australian Open is heating up, and day five promises a thrilling mix of tennis titans and local heroes! As the second round of singles matches continues, we're on the edge of our seats watching legends like Novak Djokovic chase history, while exciting talents like Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek grace the courts. But here's where it gets really interesting for the home crowd: our very own Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis are kicking off their doubles campaign!
Before the big names take center stage, keep an eye on Australian wildcards Rinky Hijikata and Taylah Preston as they aim for their best-ever performances at their home Grand Slam. We're also anticipating a potential upset as qualifier Dane Sweeny challenges the formidable eighth seed Ben Shelton.
Follow all the unfolding drama from Melbourne Park right here!
When Are Our Aussie Stars Playing on Day Five?
Get ready to cheer for the local talent! Here's the rundown of the Australian singles players you won't want to miss on day five, with all times in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT):
Currently Live:
- Valentin Vacherot (seeded 30th) versus Rinky Hijikata (wildcard) on Kia Arena.
Coming Up Soon:
- Linda Noskova (13th seed) versus Taylah Preston (wildcard) – second match on Kia Arena.
- Ben Shelton (8th seed) versus Dane Sweeny (qualifier) – second match on John Cain Arena.
- Laura Siegemund versus Maddison Inglis (qualifier) – starting from 1:00 PM AEDT on ANZ Arena.
- Jannik Sinner (2nd seed) versus James Duckworth (wildcard) – from 7:00 PM AEDT on Rod Laver Arena.
Defending Champion Madison Keys Faces a Powerhouse
Madison Keys, the defending champion, had a bit of a tricky start in her first-round match against Oleksandra Oliynykova, who is known for her off-pace slice game. Today, however, Keys is up against a completely different challenge in her compatriot, Ashlyn Krueger. Krueger stands tall at around 185 centimeters and thrives on her powerful game. Expect some serious firepower when these two clash!
Aussie Wildcard Rinky Hijikata Takes on a Surprise Package
Our very own Rinky Hijikata, who has yet to advance past the second round at his home Grand Slam, is facing the 30th seed, Valentin Vacherot. Now, you might be wondering who Vacherot is. Well, prepare to be amazed! In 2025, he delivered what was arguably the most unexpected and heartwarming Masters championship run. Despite being ranked 204th in the world, he experienced the highlight of his career over two weeks, coming through qualifying for the Shanghai Masters in October. He went on to defeat the 10th, 14th, 20th, and 27th seeds en route to the semifinals. The incredible journey continued as he then defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets before facing his French counterpart, Arthur Rinderknech, in the final, which he won with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. But now, Vacherot has a target on his back with his elevated ranking. Hijikata will be hoping to turn the tables on the player from Monaco today.
When Can You Watch Kyrgios and Kokkinakis in Doubles?
The dynamic duo and 2022 men's doubles champions, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, are set to make their return to the court today to begin their campaign. They'll be facing another Australian wildcard pair, Marc Polmans and Jason Kubler, on Kia Arena. You can catch this exciting match not before 4:00 PM AEDT. This is the only doubles match scheduled on any of the main showcourts, making it a must-watch for fans!
A Packed Day Five Schedule at the Australian Open!
Get ready, because day five of the Australian Open is absolutely stacked! We have 11 of the top-10 seeds across both the men's and women's singles competing, and there's a fascinating mix of national rivalries and intriguing matchups.
The day kicks off on John Cain Arena with the defending champion Madison Keys taking on fellow American Ashlyn Krueger. Over on Margaret Court Arena, Italy's fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti will face his countryman and fellow Lorenzo, Signore Sonego, in the opening match. And on the iconic Rod Laver Arena, the American's sixth seed Jessica Pegula will be in action first, in an all-American clash against McCartney Kessler – a name that truly stands out!
Following the Keys and Krueger match on John Cain Arena, the US eighth seed Ben Shelton will go head-to-head with Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny.
As the afternoon session begins around 1:30 PM AEDT, we'll see the fourth seed Novak Djokovic aiming for his 101st Australian Open victory against another Italian, Francesco Maestrelli, on Rod Laver Arena. Meanwhile, on Margaret Court Arena, the women's fourth seed Amanda Anisimova will face Katerina Siniakova.
The evening session on Rod Laver Arena will feature the second seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner, who will open the center court action against Aussie wildcard James Duckworth, followed by the fifth seed Elena Rybakina.
And the evening on John Cain Arena is set to be electrifying with the women's second seed Iga Swiatek and the men's number nine Taylor Fritz. Rounding out the day, the Swiss 10th seed Belinda Bencic will be the last match on ANZ Arena.
Welcome to Day Five: The Tension is Building!
You can almost feel the anticipation building at Melbourne Park as we move through the first week and dive into the second round of the singles. Today's schedule is truly a treat, featuring Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and the two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in action.
Adding to the excitement, we have five local hopes stepping onto the court in the singles, with Rinky Hijikata leading the charge from 11:00 AM AEDT.
Let's get this incredible day of tennis underway!
But here's a thought-provoking question for you: With so many top seeds in action, who do you think is most likely to face an early upset? Let us know your predictions in the comments below! Do you agree with the matchups, or do you see a different path to victory for some of these players?
