Australian Open Grand Slam 2024 Expands To 15 Days, Reduce Late-Night Sessions

NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service

October 2, 2023: In what was called “an historic first,” the Australian Open 2024 Grand Slam will start on a Sunday – becoming a 15-day event for the first time.

According to Tennis Australia, “With data showing matches are now longer, the move to a Sunday start is designed to help alleviate the pressure on late night finishes for both the players and the fans.

“The Australian Open, supported by major partner Kia in association with Emirates, Luzhou Laojiao and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park from 14-28 January 2024.”

During the 2023 Australian Open, some matches did not end until well past midnight.

The Australian Open and the Roland Garros French Open are now the only tennis Grand Slams to be held over 15 days. The U.S. Open and London’s Wimbledon are both 14-day events.

For viewers in the U.S. — 16 hours behind — the 2024 Australian Open will begin on Saturday night, Jan. 13.

ESPN is the exclusive broadcast partner in the U.S., with support from Tennis Channel.

The first round will now be played over three days instead of two.

“We’ve listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimize late finishes while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts,” Australian Open director Craig Tiley said via the Tournament.

“The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike. The first round will now be played over three days instead of two, also giving fans an extra day of unbelievable tennis, entertainment, food and family fun.”

According to Tennis Australia, the Sunday start increases the number of Australian Open sessions in the three arenas from 47 to 52.

The day session in Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena will feature a minimum of two matches, down from three, to limit the potential of late finishes. Night sessions will continue to feature a minimum of two matches.

The John Cain Arena schedule also remains the same.

“Every year our team works hard to bring fans an event that feels new and exciting, and this is another opportunity to grow what is already the biggest annual sporting event in the world in January,” said Tiley.

Back to Home Page