[to provide a world-class tennis tournament,” said Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.
The decision to extend the Australian Open to a 15-day event was made in order to accommodate matches and prevent late-night finishes. This year’s tournament was marked by a second-round match between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis that ended after 4 a.m. This problem has become more common in tennis due to the lack of a clock, which means matches can vary greatly in length.
The change will see the Australian Open begin on a Sunday for the first time, giving players and spectators an extra day and potentially spreading out the matches to avoid late finishes. The event will now start on Sunday, January 15, 2024, and end on Sunday, January 29, 2024.
Tennis Australia hopes that this change will improve the experience for both players and fans. Late-night matches can be physically and mentally draining for athletes, and they also pose logistical challenges for spectators who have to stay at the venue until the match is finished.
By extending the tournament to 15 days, Tennis Australia aims to create a more balanced schedule that allows for adequate rest and recovery for players. This could potentially improve the quality of the matches and prevent injuries caused by fatigue.
The decision was made after listening to feedback from players and fans, who have expressed concerns about the late finishes. Tennis Australia wants to ensure that the Australian Open continues to be a premier tennis event while addressing the issues raised by stakeholders.
Some have criticized the decision, arguing that it could dilute the excitement of the event by spreading out the matches over a longer period of time. However, Tennis Australia believes that the benefits of preventing late-night finishes outweigh this concern.
The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis and is held annually in Melbourne. It attracts top players from around the world and has a rich history dating back to 1905. The tournament is known for its high-quality tennis and vibrant atmosphere.
Overall, the decision to extend the Australian Open to a 15-day event starting on a Sunday aims to improve the experience for players and fans alike by reducing the likelihood of late-night finishes. Tennis Australia hopes that this change will further enhance the status of the tournament and maintain its reputation as one of the premier events in the tennis calendar.
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