According to rumours, the Australian Open will formally return as a 15-day competition for the first time in 2024.
The new change will be adopted to lessen the frequency of late-night games played at Melbourne Park in previous competition years.
The Grand Slam has been extended by one day and will now officially last 15 days beginning on January 14, 2024. Instead of the customary three games that went late into the night, at least two games will be planned for day sessions on the courts.
In the past, the organizers have scheduled five singles matches on each of the two main courts, Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena, during the first six games of the competition.
The day sessions, which often begin at 11 a.m., will now be cut down to two, reducing or eliminating the need for night sessions, which typically begin at 7 p.m.
Tom Craig, the director of the competition, made the new information public in a statement.
“We’ve listened to feedback from the players and fans and are excited to deliver a solution to minimise late finishes while continuing to provide a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts.
“The additional day will achieve this, benefiting scheduling for fans and players alike. The first round will now be played over three days instead of two.”
