As well as being some of the first people on earth to usher-in the new year, Australians also get to enjoy seeing the world’s elite battle it out on tennis courts before almost anyone else. The Adelaide International and inaugural United Cup are 2 such curtain-raisers currently taking place in the country, whilst not too far away in New Zealand, the ASB Classic is also underway.
That’s not to say that all of the action at the beginning of the year is reserved exclusively for antipodean tennis fans, however: the Australian Open is the best-attended Grand Slam in the world in part due to its international appeal, and the 2023 tournament is sure to be no different. This year’s AO will take place between 16-29 January, at Melbourne Park.
Among the favourites for the men’s singles trophy will be players such as Novak Djokovic, who was famously unable to compete at the tournament last year, and Daniil Medvedev, who will be looking to bounce back from a sub-par 2022 season. Both players are currently in Adelaide, where they face strong young players such as Felix Auger-Aliassime, Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune, and Jannik Sinner. At the ASB Classic in Auckland, meanwhile, ATP stars such as Casper Ruud will be keen to hit their stride before making the trip across the Tasman Sea to Melbourne.
In the WTA draw, things are shaping-up to be just as competitive. In Adelaide, top-15 players such as Ons Jabeur, Aryna Sabalenka, Danielle Collins, Daria Kasatkina, and Veronika Kudermetova are all competing, whilst in Auckland, talented youngsters Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez have shared a draw with veteran wildcard Venus Williams.
Although it is just around the corner, tickets for the Australian Open are still available, whether you’re making the trip from Adelaide, Auckland, or the other side of the world. Adult tickets start at AUD $99 (USD $67.73) on Rod Laver Arena, AUD $52 (USD $35.57) on Margaret Court Arena, and at AUD $65 (USD $44.47) on John Cain Arena. Ground Passes and ticket-inclusive hospitality packages are also available.
For more information on tournaments taking place this month in Australia and New Zealand, click the links below:
