"The veteran may be rumoured to be considering a move to the US Tennis Association, but for now he remains focused on his sport's summer dominance. Our objective is we want to own January, he says. At the launch of one of many Melbourne Park sponsor activations, conditions are ripe for Tiley to talk a big game. We're intense, and we're intense because we're 21 days, every day."
"It expanded to 15 days in 2024 by bringing forward the start of the main draw by 24 hours. Now Tennis Australia wants to make the most of Opening Week, which has traditionally been the domain of the fading prospects and veterans still dreaming of a great grand slam run by going through qualifying. Until 2024, it was free to attend these qualifying matches."
Craig Tiley aims for the Australian Open to dominate January through a 21-day intensity approach. The tournament expanded from two weeks to 15 days in 2024 by starting the main draw 24 hours earlier. Tennis Australia is pushing to maximise Opening Week, historically populated by qualifying players and veterans. Ground passes now cost A$20 per day, replacing free entry and narrowing the gap with A$65 main-draw tickets. A kids-go-free promotion and sponsor activations helped attract a first-day record crowd of 29,261. The week features charity exhibitions, music concerts, busy vendors and visible food and drink price increases.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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