The Japan Open Tennis is one of Asia’s premier ATP Tour 500 events, attracting a world-class field to Tokyo each autumn. Held at the Ariake Coliseum, the tournament offers a significant haul of ranking points and prize money, making it a key stop on the Asian swing of the men’s professional tennis calendar.
What is the Japan Open Tennis?
The Japan Open is an ATP Tour 500 event held annually in Tokyo, Japan. As one of the highest-tier tournaments in Asia, it draws top-ranked players competing on outdoor hard courts. The event features a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles draw, played over a week of competition. Its ATP 500 status ensures strong field depth, with top seeds typically including multiple top-20 players.
When is the Japan Open Tennis?
The 2026 Japan Open Tennis takes place from 30 September to 6 October 2026. The first three days feature qualifying and early-round matches, building towards the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final over the closing weekend.
Where is the Japan Open Tennis held?
The tournament is held at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, a retractable-roof venue that was also used for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics tennis events. The arena holds approximately 10,000 spectators and offers a modern, world-class setting in the Ariake district of the city.
Key Contenders
The Japan Open consistently attracts a strong field. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have both competed in the Asian swing, while Japanese star Kei Nishikori’s legacy continues to draw local interest to the tournament. Ben Shelton, Holger Rune, and other emerging talents use the ATP 500 events to solidify their rankings heading into the season’s final stretch. The hard court surface suits aggressive baseliners and big servers alike.
How to Watch
The Japan Open is broadcast globally through ATP Tour broadcast partners. In the UK, coverage is available on Sky Sports or Amazon Prime Video (depending on the broadcast cycle). Tennis TV, the ATP’s official streaming platform, provides live coverage worldwide. Japanese broadcaster WOWOW typically holds domestic rights.
History
The Japan Open dates back to 1972, making it one of the longest-running tennis tournaments in Asia. It has been held at various venues in Tokyo over the decades and has seen champions including Novak Djokovic, who won the title in the early 2010s. The tournament moved to ATP 500 status as part of the tour restructuring in 2009, cementing its place among the most important non-Masters events on the calendar. Japanese players have long drawn passionate local support, contributing to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
Tickets
Tickets for the Japan Open are available through the tournament’s official website and Japanese ticketing platforms such as Ticket Pia. Early-round sessions offer more affordable entry, while semi-final and final tickets are in high demand. International visitors can typically purchase tickets online in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What surface is the Japan Open played on?
The Japan Open is played on outdoor hard courts, the same surface used at the US Open and Australian Open. The Ariake Coliseum’s retractable roof ensures play can continue in wet weather.
Is the Japan Open part of the ATP Tour?
Yes, it is an ATP Tour 500 event, placing it in the second tier of ATP tournaments behind the four Grand Slams and nine Masters 1000 events.
How many ranking points does the winner receive?
The singles champion receives 500 ATP ranking points, making it a significant event for players looking to improve their year-end ranking position.
Can I attend the Japan Open as an international visitor?
Yes, the tournament welcomes international spectators. The Ariake Coliseum is easily accessible by public transport from central Tokyo, and tickets can be purchased online in advance.
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