Your guide to the start of the Australian Open: What Sunday is set to serve up

The Australian Open swings into action on Sunday, with entertainment set to be served up for all ages. Here’s how the start of the Grand Slam is expected to play out.

Record crowds are expected to begin flooding through the gates of Olympic Park on Sunday as the Australian Open returns to Melbourne for its first ever 15-day showdown.

With last year’s crowds smashing records and excited fans staying late into the night to watch their favourites compete, an extra day has been added to the roster this January.

But tournament director Craig Tiley said the move to tame late-night finishes has only fuelled tennis fanatics who are rapidly taking advantage of the extended schedule.

“Ticket sales have been strong since we launched in October and with the announcement of some blockbuster matches and players for day one, our Sunday start is going to be spectacular,” he said.

Children tour the Australian Open precinct ahead of day one of the tournament. Picture: David Crosling

There are plenty of places to enjoy refreshments. Picture: David Crosling

As the stars of the game jetted into Melbourne this week, the city quickly filled with anticipation.

The buzz was especially fierce around Australian favourite Alex de Minaur as the star toppled world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in an Australian Open charity match at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night.

Despite a recent wrist injury, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic declared he was ready to begin his charge toward a record setting 25th Grand Slam title on Friday.

“It’s not as bad as some other injuries I had here – in 2021 and last year I had worse injuries that I had to deal with,” he said.

“I can’t predict whether it’s going to come back … We will have to find out.”

Defending Australian Open women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka is also raring to defend her crown after the Belarusian star recorded a career-best season in 2023.

Fans will no doubt miss crowd favourite Rafael Nadal this year after the 22-time Grand Slam champion withdrew just a week out from the tournament due to injury concerns.

The sporting extravaganza smashed attendance records in 2023, with a whopping 839,192 fans streaming through the gates across the two week event.

Gates will open at 10am on Sunday, kicking off the first matches of the mens’ and women's’ singles.

Mr Tiley said attendees all ages could expect a “world class” experience, with food and drinks, music, shopping or kids activities also on offer.

Alex de Minaur plays a backhand during a training session ahead of the 2024 Australian Open. Picture: Getty Images

The rain is expected to hold off on day one, with cloudy skies, 24 degrees and a slight chance of a shower forecast.

The Australian Open has topped Melbourne’s corporate crowd-pullers, leading the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup, and Boxing Day test, Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller research has revealed.

The data shows this year’s corporate bookings have shot past those of 2023 by a huge 21 per cent.

Corporate Traveller’s global managing director Tom Walley said the line-up of international stars and the warm summer weather had helped entice visitors to the sporting spectacle.

“Melbourne Park may not have the same seating capacity as Melbourne’s other three main sporting events at the MCG and Flemington, but it has everything else on its side to draw the biggest crowds,” Mr Walley said.

In another win for fans, ticket prices for the first Grand Slam of the year have matched 2023 rates, with a week one ground pass costing $59, and $10 for kids.

There are even activities for kids. Picture: Tony Gough

The Grand Slam oval super stage promises to be packed with fun. Picture: Tony Gough

Tennis Australia chief commercial officer Cedric Cornelis said a range of tasty food and drink, from simple street food to elevated dining experiences, will be on offer.

“Whether it’s fresh focaccia from the Italian-style marketplace, a decadent brunch in Bar Atrium, non-alcoholic cocktails at the new AO Courtside Bar or a signature Peach Melbourne soft serve on a hot day – there will be something for all tastes,” he said.

The site will stretch from Federation Square to Richmond Station and is accessible by foot, bicycle or public transport, with onsite and public parking also available.