Tennis Australia is aiming to reach new heights in the upcoming year following a highly successful 2024 edition. The organization is considering implementing a groundbreaking change by hosting the women’s final on a Sunday night during the Australian Open. This format alteration would be seen as a positive development for tennis enthusiasts, particularly those watching the event on television.
In the 2024 men’s Australian Open finals, a significant number of TV viewers went to sleep while one player was leading by two sets. However, the Italian player, Jannik Sinner, made a remarkable comeback and won the remaining three sets. The following morning, viewers discovered that Sinner had become the youngest player to win the Australian Open.
The CEO of Tennis Australia, Craig Tiley, has expressed his dissatisfaction with midnight finishes and is committed to resolving this issue promptly. He had previously addressed this matter in late 2019. As a result, Tennis Australia has decided to limit the women’s final to a maximum of three sets instead of the previous five. Furthermore, the final will take place on a Sunday night, ensuring a definitive finish time of 10:30 pm on Australia’s coast, providing a better experience for tennis enthusiasts.
The men’s final, on the other hand, will be held on Saturday night, making it more appealing for fans to stay up and watch. The extension of the Australian Open to a 15-day tournament attracted over a million spectators for the first time. However, the implementation of these new improvements would require approval from the men’s tennis governing body, ATP, or the women’s organizers, the WTA.
In the 2024 Australian Open, more than 45 brands sponsored the tournament, indicating the growing popularity and success of the Melbourne competition. Sponsorship revenue increased by 43% compared to the 2023 edition, reaching $542 million. This increase was supported by funds from the Australian Sports Commission, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and state tourism bodies. Additionally, Tennis Australia announced that the state government had forgiven a $43 million loan that had accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
According to the Source firstsportz.com