For the first time ever, the Australian Open 2024 will begin on Sunday and last for 15 days. The move to a Sunday start was made to help ease the burden on late-night finishes for both the players and the fans because data shows that matches are now longer.
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley announced the details during a conversation and said: “We’ve listened to feedback from the 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.”
Tiley explained further details and said: “The additional day will achieve this, benefiting the schedule for fans and players alike. The first round will now be played over three days instead of two, also giving fans an extra day of unbelievable tennis, entertainment, food, and family fun. Every year our team works hard to bring fans an event that feels new and exciting, and this is another opportunity to grow what is already the biggest annual sporting event in the world in January.”
With the Sunday start, there will be 52 AO sessions spread over the three arenas. There will be a minimum of two matches in the day session at Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena, down from three, to reduce the possibility of late finishes. The John Cain Arena schedule is unchanged, and night sessions will continue to include a minimum of two games.
Australian Open 2024 will be held as a 15-day event. Like Roland Garros, it will start on a Sunday to help alleviate the pressure of late night endings to matches for players & fans.
The 1st round will take 3 days to complete as opposed to 2.
Craig Tiley, Tournament Director:… pic.twitter.com/Bec9jMO28C
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 2, 2023
