Australian Open 2024: When the Grand Slam begins, where to watch

The tournament structure, with 128 players in both the men’s and women’s singles competitions, provides a diverse mix of talent and playing styles. The qualification process, including wild-card invitations and qualifying matches, adds an element of unpredictability, as emerging players have the opportunity to make their mark against established stars.

Melbourne, with its state-of-the-art facilities at Melbourne Park, serves as a fitting backdrop for the Australian Open. The event attracts a global audience, showcasing the international appeal of tennis and contributing to the sport’s rich legacy.

As the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open often sets the tone for the rest of the season. It will be fascinating to see which players will rise to the occasion and make their mark on the courts of Melbourne, ultimately competing for the coveted Australian Open trophies. Tennis enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the action, anticipating memorable moments and intense battles on the hard courts of Australia.

Australian Open 2024: When the Grand Slam begins, where to watch

When is the 2024 Australian Open?

Qualifying rounds begin the week before the first match in the first round of the Australian Open.

The Australian Open officially begins on Saturday, Jan. 13 at 6:00 p.m., ET, in the United States with men’s and women’s singles first round matches and runs through the women’s singles finals on Jan. 27 and the men’s singles finals on Jan. 28.

How to watch the 2024 Australian Open

Melbourne, Australia, is 16 hours ahead of the US East Coast time zone, so Australian Open matches played in the morning will take place in the evening or early mornings in the United States.

All Australian Open matches will be available on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes. All games will also be available to stream on ESPN+.

ESPN will have Day 1 coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET on Sat. Jan. 13 on ESPN+ and at midnight ET on ESPN2. The network promises 110 hours of coverage through the tournament.

What does the winner of the 2024 Australian Open receive?

The prize pool for the Australian Open has increased to a historic high of $10 million, which is a 13% increase from the 2023 event. The winners of the men’s and women’s singles will each receive $3.15 million.

FAQs about the Australian Open

1. When is the Australian Open held?
   • The Australian Open is typically held in January each year. It marks the beginning of the Grand Slam season in tennis.
2. Where is the Australian Open played?
   • The Australian Open is played at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. The tournament takes place on hard courts.
3. How many players participate in the Australian Open?
   • A total of 128 players participate in both the men’s and women’s singles competitions.
4. How are players selected for the Australian Open?
   • The majority of players qualify based on their world rankings. Wild-card invitations are also extended to some players. Additionally, there are qualifying matches held before the main tournament, and the winners of these matches secure a place in the Australian Open.
5. What is the seeding process in the Australian Open?
   • Players are seeded based on their world rankings to ensure that top-ranked players are strategically placed in the draw. This helps prevent early-round matchups between the strongest competitors.
6. How many rounds are there in the Australian Open?
   • The Australian Open has a standard knockout format with seven rounds for both men’s and women’s singles.
7. What are the different events in the Australian Open?
   • The main events are men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Additionally, there are junior and wheelchair events.
8. How long does the Australian Open last?
   • The duration of the Australian Open is approximately two weeks, from the first round to the finals.
9. What are the different types of courts at Melbourne Park?
   • Melbourne Park has three main show courts: Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and Melbourne Arena. All of them have hard court surfaces.
10. Who are some of the most successful players in Australian Open history?
    • Players like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams have had notable success at the Australian Open, each winning multiple titles.