2019 Australian Open: Andy Murray calls Melbourne Park facilities ‘best on tour by far’

Andy Murray has led an advance party of Australian Open stars to Melbourne Park, declaring the upgraded player facilities, which includes a nail and brow bar and a full beautician service, the best in the world.

Carolyn Wozniacki was one of numerous leading players to endorse Melbourne Park.

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Andy Murray has led an advance party of Australian Open stars to Melbourne Park, declaring the tournament’s upgraded player facilities the best in the world.

The Scot, five times runner-up at the first grand slam of the season, lavished praise on the new player pod.

“The changes at the Australian Open this year are incredible,” he said.

“By far the best facilities on tour now and it’s not even close.”

Carolyn Wozniacki was one of numerous leading players to endorse Melbourne Park

Players contesting next week’s Open have access to a full concierge service, larger lounges and treatment rooms.

There are now 750 lockers equipped with charging points “ensuring constant connectivity.”

The player cafe capacity has been boosted from 375 to 420, offering “Melbourne café experience, including specialised coffees.”

Players chasing a record $62.5million in prizemoney will fuel up pre-match from pasta stations and a Japanese-style restaurant offering made to order sushi.

There is also an ice-cream bar, a 600 square metre outdoor terrace overlooking Grand Slam Oval and more indoor and outdoor lounges.

For players travelling with families there is an expanded crèche and special parents’ room for baby feeding and changing.

Serena Williams take a breather during training at Melbourne Park.

Melbourne Park’s reputation as the most player-friendly venue in international tennis is underscored by a nail and brow bar, hairdressing, a full beautician service and a men’s barber.

There is a 230 square metre gymnasium, four purpose-built ice bath, six individual treatment rooms and more open-plan treatment and massage spaces.

Former world No 1 Murray was joined at Melbourne Park by Serena and Venus Williams, defending women’s champion Caroline Wozniacki and Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.

Qualifying starts on Tuesday. Entry is free to the public.

The main draw starts next Monday.

Originally published as 2019 Australian Open: Andy Murray calls Melbourne Park facilities ‘best on tour by far’