The 2019 Australian Open has officially bounced into action!
Tennis fans from around the world cheer on as the 2019 Australian Open has officially bounced into action. Get set for thrilling on court battles and more live entertainment, food and family friendly options than ever before.
What is it?
The Australian Open is a tennis tournament held every year and takes place during the last fortnight of January in Melbourne. The tournament is the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events held each year, preceding the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. It boasts a huge line-up of events featuring men’s and women’s singles; men’s, women’s and mixed doubles and junior’s championships; as well as wheelchair, legends and exhibition events. There’s a lot on the line as the prize money record for the Australian Open has reached an all-time high for 2019, with the AUD$62.5 million prize money pool – up 14 per cent on 2018.
History
First held in 1905, the Australian Open is now the largest annual sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere. Prior to 1988 it was played on grass courts, but since then two types of hardcourt surfaces have been used at Melbourne Park. The tournament holds the record for the highest attendance at a Grand Slam event, with 743,667 people attending the 2018 Australian Open. It was also the first Grand Slam tournament to feature indoor play during wet weather or extreme heat with its three primary courts, the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Arena and the refurbished Margaret Court Arena equipped with retractable roofs.
Get involved!
The best of the best fly in from across the globe to compete in the Australian Open! The action takes place at a number of stadiums and outdoor courts right next to Melbourne’s CBD. You’ll get the opportunity to see your favourite players as well as a stacked list of tennis superstars. Mid-range tickets offer entry to the 7500-seat Margaret Court Arena, or you can spend more to watch matches at the 15,000-seat Rod Laver Arena, playing host to the events “centre court”.
It’s not all about the tennis…
The tennis is just the beginning, with plenty to do for you and the family. Music lovers unite as the Australian Open stages the country’s longest music festival. You’ll be spoilt for choice, with 15 days of global music acts on the lineup.
No babysitter? No problem! You won’t need to worry about the little ones getting bored. With an onsite mini theme park for kids and families, you’ll find days worth of exciting activities!
For more information and to get your hands on tickets head to the official Australian Open website.
