The Australian Open 2024 is fast approaching and tennis enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the excitement it is sure to bring. The presence of top players such as Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu returning makes this Grand Slam an event not to be missed.
Rafael Nadal, a 22-time slam champion, has confirmed that 2024 will be his final year on tour. This announcement adds to the significance of the Australian Open as fans may witness the beginning of Nadal’s farewell tour. The renowned Spaniard has been absent from the game since sustaining a serious hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open. With a world ranking of 663, he is focused on making a strong comeback in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu, who has been away from the WTA Tour since April due to surgeries on both wrists and her ankle, is also poised to make a return. With her sights set on making a significant impact, Raducanu is a player to keep an eye on in this year’s tournament.
The Australian Open 2024 is set to commence on Sunday, January 14, marking the first Sunday start in the tournament’s history. The tournament will run until the men’s final on Sunday, January 27, with the women’s final taking place the day before. First-round matches will be staggered across three days instead of two to accommodate the schedule.
For those eager to catch the Grand Slam action, the main-day sessions will commence at midnight UK time, with the night sessions starting at 7:30am UK time. Eurosport will broadcast the event live, and streaming is available on discovery+. Tennis enthusiasts can subscribe to the Entertainment & Sport pass on discovery+ for £6.99/month or £59.99/year.
The tournament schedule is filled with thrilling matches leading up to the highly anticipated finals weekend. The Australian Open 2024 will showcase a series of matches starting from the first round on January 14, culminating in the finals weekend on January 27 and 28.
While fans are looking forward to seeing Nadal and Raducanu back in action, some players are facing disappointment. Nick Kyrgios, who played only one match in 2023, has announced that he will miss the tournament for the second consecutive year. In a social media post, Kyrgios expressed his disappointment, stating, “This is a very disappointing time for me but I won’t be able to compete at the 2024 Australian Open.”
As we prepare for the commencement of the Australian Open 2024, it is evident that this Grand Slam holds the promise of an exciting return for top players and a series of thrilling matches for tennis fans worldwide. With Nadal and Raducanu making their return, the tournament is anticipated to showcase an exhilarating display of skill and sportsmanship.