112th edition of Australian Open to kick off in Melbourne Sunday

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) — The 2024 Grand Slam tennis season is set to start on Sunday in Melbourne with the 112th edition of the Australian Open.

For the first time in its history, the tennis tournament will kick off on a Sunday instead of a Monday, and will run for 15 days, not the customary 14.

The first round will consist of 128 games. The women's singles final will be contested on Jan. 27, and the men's title match will be played on Jan. 28.

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are seeking back-to-back titles.

Sabalenka, 25, clinched the 2023 Australian Open women's singles title after coming from behind to beat Elena Rybakina in three sets.

Serena Williams has the most women’s singles trophies in the competition with seven titles, while Djokovic is the most successful men's singles player, with 10 wins in the Open era.

Williams’ latest Australian Open title came in 2017, when she defeated her sister, seven-time Grand Slam title winner Venus Williams, in straight sets.

Last year, 36-year-old Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to equal Rafael Nadal's men’s record of 22 Grand Slam crowns.

Meanwhile, the Australian Open prize money increased to $58 million which is 13% higher than in 2023.