Watch the Australian Open Live

The 2024 Australian Open, hosted at Melbourne Park from January 14th to 28th, marks the grand commencement of this year's Grand Slam tournaments. This event promises an exhilarating showcase of top-tier tennis, featuring prominent players like 10-time champion Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. The tournament spans across various categories, including men's and women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles, along with wheelchair and junior competitions. 

This edition of the Australian Open is particularly notable for its expanded schedule, increasing the total number of game sessions to 52, providing fans with more opportunities to experience the thrilling matches. The tournament's structure ensures that both the singles and doubles events receive significant attention, culminating in the doubles finals on January 27th and the singles finals on January 28th. The event also stands out for its generous prize money, with significant increases distributed across various stages of the tournament, particularly benefiting players in the early rounds.  

The Australian Open has been a stage for countless unforgettable moments that have captivated tennis fans worldwide. Each year brings its own set of memorable events, but some stand out in the tournament's rich history. 

One such moment was in 2003, known as "The Serena Slam." Serena Williams, in an epic battle against her sister Venus, showcased her dominance in the sport by becoming the fifth woman to hold all four major titles simultaneously. This achievement not only highlighted her incredible talent but also the fierce competition between the Williams sisters, which has been a defining feature of women's tennis. 

Another historic moment occurred in 1969 during the semi-finals, where Rod Laver faced Tony Roche. In an era before tiebreakers, they played a grueling 42-game second set under extreme heat. Laver, who was making a comeback to the Australian Open after several years, eventually triumphed in this marathon match. This victory was a significant milestone in his illustrious career, marking his first Australian Open win in the Open Era and contributing to his second single-year Grand Slam. 

Fast forward to 2012, the Australian Open witnessed one of the greatest matches in its history – a nearly six-hour long final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. This match was not just a display of extraordinary skill but also incredible endurance and willpower. It stretched to the early hours of the morning, with Djokovic finally emerging victorious. This match is often remembered not just for its duration but for the sheer quality of tennis and the oscillating fortunes of both players throughout the game. 

Additionally, the 2014 Australian Open was marked by extreme weather conditions, with temperatures soaring to 44°C (111,2°F). This heatwave led to numerous players suffering from heat-related issues and eventually forced a change in the tournament's Extreme Heat Policy. The challenging conditions added an extra layer of difficulty to the competition, testing the players' resilience and adaptability. 

These moments, among many others, contribute to the rich tapestry of the Australian Open, making it one of the most exciting and unpredictable tennis majors. Each year, fans eagerly anticipate new stories that will be added to this ever-growing list of memorable events.