Australian Open 2024: How you can watch the first tennis major of the year
The first big event in the tennis calendar will get underway this weekend as the finest tennis players on the planet will descend on Melbourne for the Australian Open.
Some early news surrounding the tournament has already rocked the tennis world with 22 Grand Slam winning legend Rafael Nadal pulling out of the competition following injury. Reigning champ Djokovic is the favourite for the men's trophy but he will face a stern test from Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Russian contender, Daniil Medvedev and Italian Jannik Sinner.
Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans will be representing the UK while Young Brit, Emma Raducanu has reached the main draw after various players were forced to pull out. British No.1 Katie Boulter heads to the major after the best season of her career but will face a challenging draw with the some big hitters in the mix.
Caroline Wozniacki has been awarded a wild card while former champions Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber are set to play in Melbourne. However, the favourite for the 2024 Australian Open is World Number 1 Iga Swiatek.
The tournament is being held at Melbourne Park and play will begin on Sunday, January 14, making it the first Sunday start in the famed competition's history. It will run until the men's final on Sunday, January 27 with the women's final taking place the day before.
The change to the schedule in 2024 is to spread out first-round matches across three days instead of two to avoid games running too late after some matches in recent years were played until the early hours of the morning.
Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear
When does the Australian Open start?
The tournament will get underway on Sunday, January 14. Melbourne is 11 hours ahead of the UK meaning fans in this country can watch day session matches from around midnight GMT and night sessions from 8:00am GMT.
What's the match schedule?
Sunday, January 14– Men’s and women’s first-round matches
Monday, January 15– Men’s and women’s first-round matches
Tuesday, January 16 – Men’s and women’s second-round matches
Wednesday, January 17 – Men’s and women’s second-round matches
Thursday, January 18 – Men’s and women’s second-round matches
Friday, January 19 – Men’s and women’s third-round matches
Saturday, January 20 – Men’s and women’s third-round matches
Sunday, January 21 – Men’s and women’s fourth-round matches
Monday, January 22 – Men’s and women’s fourth-round matches
Tuesday, January 23 – Men’s and women’s quarter-finals
Wednesday, January 24 – Men’s and women’s quarter-finals
Thursday, January 25 – Women’s semi-finals
Friday, January 26 – Men’s semi-finals
Saturday, January 27 – Women’s final, men’s doubles final
Sunday, January 28 – Men’s final, women’s doubles final
What prize money is on offer?
This year’s Australian Open total prize money is more than ever after an increase on 2023. £46.3 million will be shared with the winner taking home £1.68 million while the runner-up will pocket £924,167.
Emma Raducanu of Great Britain (Getty Images)When is the main draw for the tournament?
The Australian Open singles draw will take place on Thursday, January 11.
How can you watch it?
The Australian Open will be broadcast live on Eurosport. You can watch Eurosport on Discovery+ with Entertainment & Sport pass prices on discovery+ for £6.99 per month or £59.99 for the year. You can also get Discovery+ on top of your Amazon Prime Video account, which will enable you to also watch the Champions League, Europa League and more, for £29.99 a month here.
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