In a significant move to address the issue of late-night matches, the Australian Open will inaugurate its 2024 edition on a Sunday, expanding the tournament to a 15-day schedule, as confirmed by the organizers.
One of the recurring challenges at the Australian Open has been matches that extend well into the early hours of the following morning. This is a common occurrence during the first Grand Slam of the year, and it has often drawn criticism from players and fans alike. For instance, British tennis star Andy Murray described his match finish at 4:05 a.m. this year as a “farce.”
The decision to shift the start of the tournament from Monday to Sunday is supported by data that indicates matches are now longer in duration. This adjustment aims to reduce the pressure on both players and fans. Enhance your tennis viewing experience with attractive tennis betting odds from Nextbet.
Tournament director Craig Tiley expressed their commitment to improving the overall experience for everyone involved. He stated, “We’ve listened to feedback from players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimize late finishes while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts. The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike.”
The Australian Open’s move brings it in line with the French Open, which also spans 15 days. In contrast, the U.S. Open and Wimbledon are traditionally 14-day tournaments.
With the Sunday start in Melbourne, the number of sessions on the three main showcourts will increase from 47 to 52. Night sessions will still feature a minimum of two matches.
To manage the potential for late finishes, the day session at Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena will now have a minimum of two matches instead of three. However, the schedule for the John Cain Arena will remain unchanged.
The 2024 Australian Open is scheduled to take place from January 14 to January 28, offering tennis enthusiasts an extended and hopefully more fan-friendly tournament experience. Get the latest updates from the world of F1 only on Nextbet Sports.
