Australian Open 2024: Tournament Expands to 15 Days, with Sunday Start to Reduce Late-Night Finishes
In response to growing calls to limit late-night finishes, the Australian Open has announced that it will expand to a 15-day event, starting on a Sunday in 2024. The decision aims to reduce the pressure on players and fans and create a fairer and more enjoyable experience for all involved.
The move comes after five-time finalist Andy Murray played a nearly six-hour, five-set match that ended past 4am. Murray described the late finish time as ridiculously late, highlighting the need for changes to the tournament’s schedule.
Scheduled to run from January 14-28, the 2024 Australian Open will now include an additional day of matches. This extension will increase the number of sessions on the showpiece courts, including Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena, from 47 to 52.
To prevent late finishes, day sessions on Rod Laver and Margaret Court will now feature a minimum of two matches, rather than three as before. Night sessions will still showcase a minimum of two matches. These adjustments, based on feedback from players and fans, aim to strike a balance between fair scheduling and reducing the inconvenience caused by late-night matches.
Craig Tiley, the Australian Open Tournament Director, expressed excitement regarding the changes and emphasized the goal of minimizing late finishes while maintaining a fair and equitable schedule. Tiley stated, 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.
This decision will not only address concerns raised by players and fans but also add an extra day of tennis, entertainment, food, and family fun in the first round. The opening round will now span three days instead of two, enriching the experience for attendees.
The Australian Open, as one of the largest and most prestigious tennis tournaments globally, continues to strive for constant improvement. These changes mark a significant step in ensuring a fairer and more enjoyable environment for players and fans alike. By reducing late-night finishes, the tournament aims to enhance the overall experience and solidify its status as a premier sporting event.
In conclusion, the Australian Open’s decision to expand to a 15-day event with a Sunday start in 2024 reflects their commitment to addressing the issue of late-night finishes. By extending the tournament and optimizing the schedule, players and fans can look forward to a fairer and more enjoyable experience at Melbourne Park. With an additional day of matches and a focus on minimizing late finishes, the Australian Open continues to cement its position as the leading tennis event globally.
