AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2024 gets underway this WEEK – and this year’s Grand Slam is historical for numerous reasons.
Novak Djokovic is the men’s favourite with the Serbian hoping to repeat last year’s heroics by winning a record 11th title.
GettyNovak Djokovic took home the 2023 Australian Open trophy[/caption]
GettyIga Swiatek has won 4 Grand Slam singles but the Polish is setting her sights on her first Australian Open.[/caption]
While Spanish legend Rafael Nadal has sadly pulled out with a muscle injury.
It’s up in the air for who will take home the women’s crown as World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, US star Coco Gauff are in great form, furthermore fans are set to see the return of Naomi Osaka.
But one thing for sure is that the iconic tournament is set to start on a Sunday for the first time ever.
Why is the 2024 Australian Open starting on a Sunday?
The 2024 Australian Open will start on a Sunday for the first time ever due to the time differences across the globe.
Time difference affects America the most with Melbourne being 16 hours ahead of New York.
The change has resulted in the tournament will start on a Saturday for North and South America.
However, the start day is not the only change in this year’s Australian Open.
Is the tournament scheduled to last 15 days?
The tournament will last 15 days starting on Sunday 14 January and will end on Sunday 28 January.
ONE more day than the U.S. Open and Wimbledon.
In previous Australian Open tournaments, the first round is usually played over two days but this year will be spread over three days.
What has Craig Tiley, the CEO of Tennis Australia said about the changes?
The South African tennis executive said: “We’ve listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts.”
The decision to ‘minimise late finishes’ comes after Andy Murray faced Australian’s Thanasi Kokkinakis in last year’s tournament which saw the match end at 4:05am.
Andy Murray commented on the changes implying that it could potentially not make a difference in the tournament.
The Former world No.1 said: “I don’t think the Sunday start will change the late finishes.”
“I think on centre court they’re having two matches in the day, two matches in the evening.”
“I primarily would think about it from a player’s perspective. It will definitely help with recovery for, like, the following day’s matches and things like that.”