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Naomi Osaka Faces Ruzic in Australian Open Opener
20 Jan
Summary
- Osaka faces Antonia Ruzic in the first round on January 20, 2026.
- Match begins around 5 a.m. ET on Rod Laver Arena.
- ESPN2 will broadcast the match; ESPN Unlimited offers streaming.

Tennis star Naomi Osaka is making her mark at the 2026 Australian Open, with her first-round match against Antonia Ruzic scheduled for Tuesday, January 20. The contest is slated to commence around 5 a.m. Eastern Time on the iconic Rod Laver Arena, following an earlier men's match. This opening round encounter sets the stage for Osaka's tournament run.
Fans in the United States can follow the action on ESPN2, with comprehensive coverage of the entire tournament available for streaming via ESPN Unlimited subscribers. This accessibility ensures that tennis enthusiasts won't miss any of the key moments from the Grand Slam event.
The 2026 Australian Open features a strong lineup, including top seeds like Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka. The tournament also boasts significant prize money, with singles champions each earning $4,150,000, reflecting the prestige and competitive intensity of the event.




