TENNIS fans in the UK are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2024 Australian Open, which kicks off on Sunday, January 14 and concludes on Sunday, January 28. In this highly-anticipated tournament, Novak Djokovic will be aiming to break another record, as he is just one Grand Slam away from surpassing Aussie legend Margaret Court's 24 triumphs. But Djokovic will face tough competition from the likes of Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, and Emma Radacanu. Here's everything you need to know about the Australian Open 2024.
When is the Australian Open 2024?
The Australian Open 2024 officially begins on Sunday, January 14, and ends on Sunday, January 28. Qualifying matches will take place from Monday, January 8, to Thursday, January 11. The tournament is expected to start at midnight GMT / 7pm ET each day, with night sessions in Melbourne beginning at 8am GMT / 3am ET.
When is the Australian Open 2024 draw?
The date for the Australian Open 2024 draw is yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to be held on Thursday, January 11, after the conclusion of qualifying.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
In the UK, the Australian Open 2024 will be broadcast live on Eurosport. Fans in the US can catch all the action on ESPN. Online access to the matches is available on discovery+ via their website. Additionally, SunSport will provide set-by-set coverage of several games throughout the competition.
What is the full schedule?
Here is the full schedule for the Australian Open 2024:
Monday, January 8 – Thursday, January 11: Qualifying
Sunday, January 14: Men's and women's first round singles
Monday, January 15: Men's and women's first round singles
Tuesday, January 16: Men's and women's first round singles
Wednesday, January 17: Men's and women's second round singles
Thursday, January 18: Men's and women's second round singles
Friday, January 19: Men's and women's third round singles
Saturday, January 20: Men's and women's third round singles
Sunday, January 21: Men's and women's fourth round singles
Monday, January 22: Men's and women's fourth round singles
Tuesday, January 23: Men's and women's singles quarter-finals
Wednesday, January 24: Men's and women's singles quarter-finals
Thursday, January 25: Women's singles semi-finals
Friday, January 26: Men's singles semi-finals
Saturday, January 27: Women's singles final, men's doubles final
Sunday, January 28: Men's singles final, women's doubles final
What changes have been made this year?
One notable change for the 2024 Australian Open is the increase in points awarded at Grand Slam and ATP Tour tournaments. Winners will still receive 2,000 points at majors, but there will be higher point allocations for earlier rounds. For example, semi-finalists will now receive 800 points instead of 720, and quarter-finalists will get 400 points, an increase of 40. Likewise, players who lose in Masters 1000 finals will receive 650 points, up by 50 from 2023.
What has been said?
American tennis player Taylor Fritz has suggested a new system for the main tour, inspired by golf, in order to create a more concentrated schedule. According to Fritz, players on the top tour should play 14 marquee events that include the top 100 players. He believes this would be the ideal solution for tennis.
