Australian Open 2020: What you need to know in the Grand Slam lead-up

The start of summer means the start of Australian Open season and this year’s tournament officials have already planned for plenty – including heat policies, sustainable merchandise and for Margaret Court’s grand slam anniversary celebrations.

Tennis Australia Chief Operating Officer Tom Larner (left) and Tournament Director Craig Tiley (right) help launch the Australian Open alongside ball kid Susannah. Pic: Grace McKinnon

The first day of summer has prompted the city to turn to the upcoming 2020 Australian Open with Ash Barty named the favourite among ball kids.

Temperatures are said to remain in the mid 20s throughout the tournament but new extreme heat measures have been altered for the men’s game in anticipation of a game day scorcher.

Despite controversy surrounding Margaret Court, the 50 year anniversary of her 1970 win will be celebrated.

Over the weekend over 10,000 staff were trained to work at the AO this summer including more than 350 ball kids who will be dressed in uniforms made from sustainable materials.

15-year-old Susannah Lutze had been an AO ball kid for three years and said that she hopes to share the court again with tennis star, Ash Barty.

15-year-old ball kid Susannah is looking forward to a third year with the Australian Open. Picture: Grace McKinnon

“It’s an amazing experience that you can’t trade for anything,” she said.

“My favourite player is Ash Barty, I ball kidded her last year.

“She was really nice and always says thank you, you can tell she is really grateful for what the ball kids do for her.”

New tops and shorts for AO staff and ball kids will be made from recycled plastic bottles in a bid to reduce emissions and will be available to purchase during the tournament.

The long range weather forecast predicts temperatures are set to stay around the mid 20s, but the heat stress scale will be in use on extreme heat days.

Under a new policy, 10-minute breaks will be introduced for the men’s game to match the breaks of the women’s game in extreme heat conditions if heat stress conditions are met.

Tennis Australia Chief Operating Officer Tom Larner (left) and Tournament Director Craig Tiley (right) swinging into summer with new tournament announcements. Picture: Grace McKinnon

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Australian Open Tour Director Craig Tiley said that 2020 will be a transformative year for the grand slam with new buildings and a huge line-up.

“We have been saying that it is a once in a generation event, AO 2020,” he said.

“Opportunity for Rafael Nadal to equal Rodger Federer’s record of having won 20 grand slams … and Serena Williams to tie Margaret Court’s record of 24 singles grand slams.

“It’s 50 years, since 1970 when she (Margaret Court) won all four grand slams and we look forward to recognising those accomplishments.

“We have also made it clear from the beginning and consistently that we are a sport that is open to all, we celebrate diversity and we are a very inclusive sport.”

For more information visit ausopen.com.

Originally published as Australian Open 2020: What you need to know in the Grand Slam lead-up