Australian Open 2024 Kicks Off with a Historic Sunday Start

For the first time ever, Australian Open 2024 will begin on Sunday – becoming a 15-day event.

Matches are now longer, so the move to a Sunday start is intended to relieve players and fans of the pressure of late night finishes.

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

“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.

“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.”

The Sunday start increases the number of AO sessions in the three arenas from 47 to 52. To limit the possibility of late finishes, Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena will feature a minimum of two matches instead of three in the day session. A minimum of two matches will be played at night, and the John Cain Arena schedule will remain the same as well.

Before tickets go on sale on Thursday 12 October, a number of exciting initiatives for Australian Open 2024 will be announced.