AO opening week presented by the Herald Sun: Action kicks off at Melbourne Park six days early
Gates to Melbourne Park will be flung open today as the Australian Open gets rocking six days early, with more action on and off the court for fans than ever before.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The world’s best tennis stars have hailed a move to make the Australian Open a three week event as a win for fans, tennis and Victoria’s major event reputation.
AO Opening Week presented by the Herald Sun will this week get the Australian Open rocking six days early, with more action on and off the court at Melbourne Park than ever before.
Gates to the vast Melbourne Park precinct will be flung open ahead of the tournament proper, with all food and bars, music, shops, fashion and gaming precincts launched ahead of the “happy slam” for the January 6-11 AO Opening Week.
Aussie comeback sensation Nick Kyrgios told the Herald Sun giving fans an extra dose of action in the lead up to the two week Grand Slam took the AO to new heights.
“I think why has it taken so long, really?’’ he said.
“We’ve always had the chance to do something special at Melbourne Park and it’s such an amazing time.
“It’s the heart of our sport in Australia and it’s going to be awesome.’’
AO qualifying will see 256 men and women battle it out for 32 places in the main draw, as part of AO Opening Week.
Red Line Bassline will bring a new, fast paced knock out tournament to the summer.
Some of the world’s best — including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Aussies Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin will play in charity matches over four nights
Daily open practice sessions in Rod Laver Arena will give fans more chances to watch their favourite players up-close for a fraction of the normal cost.
Kids Tennis Day will return on January 11, with player appearances and live performances.
And amateurs will pit their skills against pros in a grand slam first “One Point Slam”.
Kyrgios said fans being able to get closer to players for discount prices was a win for supporters and the sport.
“The passionate fans are going to rock up to practices like I did,’’ he said.
“I was that 12 year old kid that went to Joe-Wilfried Tsonga’s practice every single day to get a different ball signed.
“It means everything — the accessibility to players — that is what sport is.
“That is why young kids love athletes.
“Because we were just young kids who followed our dreams and now we are on the world thing.
“So I think it’s a powerful thing to have these athletes so accessible.’’In an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun, 10 time AO winner Novak said he was “excited’’ to be part of Opening Week.
“I always wanted to have more things happening in the first week of the AO,’’ he said.
“It’s the happy slam, many families and many people who love their tennis support the athletes.
“And I hear there are going to be a lot of different events, from music to sport and entertainment so I can’t wait to be part of it and have a good time.’’
Defending women’s AO champion Aryna Sabalenka said: “It’s really amazing for people to be able to come earlier, to enjoy the atmosphere from the very early stages.
“Seeing the main draw players getting ready for the Australian Open.
“So I think it’s really cool, what they are doing.’’
Australian Open boss Craig Tiley said organisers treated Opening Week as the start of the tournament and were serious about building it for years to come.
“It’s here to stay...it’s a stand alone week in it’s own right,’’ he said.
“It’s not a support event for the tournament like it used to be and this year even more.
“You see all the top players and some of the best future talent competing in qualifying where the stakes are pretty high.’’
Aussie Jordan Thompson said big crowds at Opening Week could give home talent trying to fight their way into the main draw an edge.
“I’m hoping the crowd gets right behind us Aussies and we will see you all out there,’’ he said.
Ground passes for Opening Week are on sale via Ticketmaster.
Tickets to Kids Tennis Day range from $15 to $25, while kids aged two and younger are free.
More Coverage
Originally published as AO opening week presented by the Herald Sun: Action kicks off at Melbourne Park six days early
Join the conversation
Djokovic cruises into Melbourne with a smile after ‘trauma’ talk
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has been spotted revelling in one of his favourite Melbourne locations just days after revealing the “trauma” he experiences when visiting the city.
Read more
Halls Gap locals’ desperate fight to save town after bushfires
Residents of the fire-threatened town of Halls Gap are urging visitors to return to the area when it re-opens tomorrow, as they fight to revive the economy after missing its crucial summer trade.
Read more