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Australian Open 2020: It’s time to take a trip across the Tasman
It's time to tick the Australian Open off your bucket list in 2020
There’s no better time to plan a trip to Australia than in the summertime, and the Australian Open brings all the best bits to Melbourne for two incredible weeks.
Heartstopping, edge-of-your-seat moments? ✅
Worldclass sporting entertainment? ✅
History-making minutes? ✅
Mouthwatering food and drink? ✅
Live music and entertainment to get you moving? ✅
Expect all this and more when the Australian Open kicks off tennis’ 2020 Grand Slam run in Melbourne this January.
Australian Open key dates
With two weeks of tennis action ready to unfold, taking place from Monday 20 January until Sunday 2 February, you better strap yourself in.
It will all come to a head on Saturday 1 February when the 2020 Australian Open Women’s champion is crowned, while the Men’s Final will take place the following day, on Sunday 2 February.
The Women’s Semifinals will be held during the day on Thursday 30 January and the first Men’s Semifinal will take place that night, followed by the second semi on Friday 31 January. The Quarterfinals will be held on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 January.
What’s new for Australian Open 2020?
In 2020, the Australian Open will stretch right into the city of Melbourne when it premiers the biggest Grand Slam footprint in world tennis – reaching from Federation Square in the heart of the CBD out to Birrarung Marr and Melbourne Park onto Richmond Station.
In a Grand Slam first, electronic line calling will feature on all courts during Qualifying, which runs from Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 January, with free entry for fans.
Other events leading into the year’s first Grand Slam include the Australian Open Drawon Thursday 16 January, and Kids Tennis Day– which will take over the expanded precinct on Saturday 18 January.
Also new for 2020 is the Practice Village, designed to further enhance the Grand Slam experience for both players and fans, who will have the chance to get closer to their heroes than ever before. Taking over the National Tennis Centre, the Practice Village will feature new viewing platforms, enhanced seating, extra shade and a variety of family-friendly food options for fans. For the players, there is the state-of-the-art gym, treatment and recovery areas, including hot and cold plunge pools and increased player dining, all accessible via the on-demand shuttle service from the Player Pod.
Australian Open 2020 – Travel
Getting to Melbourne for the Australian Open has never been easier thanks to Aus Open Travel. Providing a one-stop-shop where you can book your tennis tickets, flights, accommodation, and experiences means all you’ll have to end up worrying about is what to pack for your trip over.
With build-your-own packages available – the choice is totally yours. The AO team will work within your budget to ensure your trip to Melbourne is completely tailored to you.
They know decisions can be hard, especially with the abundance of choice available, so of course, there are also packages to suit every taste – from food lover to tennis fanatic, they’ve got you covered.
Head here for more information.
Dining
Ahead of January’s tournament, the Australian Open has unveiled a slew of food options to suit every level of food connoisseur.
The all-new Finals Table will build on the Australian Open’s world-class reputation in hospitality and dining by pairing some of Melbourne’s most exclusive restaurants with the men’s and women’s finals. Expect the likes of Attica. Vue de Monde, Chin Chin, Marion, Matilda, Tulum, Tokyo Tina, and a whole lot more, offering a world-class array of flavours during the Australian Open finals weekend.
The famous Grand Slam Oval will once again return, this time being reimagined to incorporate the very best Victoria has to offer in it’s ‘Eastside’, ‘Countryside’, and ‘North Side’ offerings. Celebrated Melbourne-based Peruvian chef Alejandro Saravia will bring his soon-to-be-opened Farmer’s Daughters experience with a Paddock-to-Plate pop-up, while Shane Delia’s Biggie Smalls and Mamasita will return.
Named in honour of the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, 56 By The Glasshouse will be transformed into a culinary delight with amazing local produce. It’ll feature alongside returning iconic restaurants like Rockpool and Nobu.
The AO Chef Series returns for the third year, this time with an all-female lineup. Australian culinary icon Donna Hay, celebrity chef Sarah Todd, rising Tasmanian star Analiese Gregory, and one of Thailand’s top Michelin Star chefs Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisva will all feature throughout.
Hospitality and Experiences
The Australian Open 2020 has also announced a selection of hospitality initiatives that are sure to level up your AO2020 experience.
A new premium ticketing option will be available for 2020. Vantage gives tennis fans seats for all 25 sessions of the Australian Open, all-day access to the much sought after Atrium, exclusive merchandise, and priority access to AO dining and experiences.
On Court Seating will return in 2020, giving fans the opportunity to watch their favourite players up close, with mere metres separating them from the action. It’s a once in a lifetime experience you’ll be sharing with the likes of previous attendees Will Smith, Will Ferrell, Ian Thorpe, and Jessica Gomes.
Other exclusive dining and ticketing options are also back, including The Green Room with backstage access to Rod Laver Arena, The Suite, and The Boardroom.
AO Live Stage
If you want to experience everything the Australian Open has to offer, then a Ground Pass might just be the ticket for you. With access to all the outdoor courts as well as Melbourne Arena, you’re sure to catch some top-notch tennis action, but make sure to also take in the sites – from mouthwatering food options to installations and activities from some of your favourite brands, there is so much to see and do on and off the court.
Outside of the tennis action, the Australian Open also host a smorgasbord of musical talent from Australia and the globe. There will be 15 days of world-class music at the AO Live Stage, with Girls Day Out featuring an all-female lineup on Sunday 19 January. While we can’t tell you who is locked in for 2020 just yet, names like UK stars Bastille and Craig David, and homegrown superstars including Angus & Julia Stone, Jet, and Ball Park Music all made appearances in 2019.
A look back at AO 2019
Who could forget last year’s tournament? The Australian Open 2019 once again provided drama, surprises, and history-making moments at every turn.
Serbian favourite Novak Djokovic overtook six-time men’s Australian Open title winners Roy Emerson and Roger Federer when he scored his seventh AO title, becoming the greatest Australian Open men’s champion of all time. He took the win over Rafael Nadal.
Superstar Naomi Osaka took out the women’s title – backing up her US Open title win and becoming the first player from Asia to secure the No.1 singles ranking. She became the first player since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to win her first two grand slams back-to-back. She held out against Petra Kvitová in three sets.
Sam Stosur clinched her doubles title 13 years after losing to Yan Zi and Zheng Jie. This time, in her 13th major final, Stosur took the victory alongside Zhang Shuai. It was Stosur’s first slam title in eight years and her second on home soil after winning the mixed doubles with Scott Draper in 2005.
Another local hero Dylan Alcott achieved his record fifth straight Australian Open Quad Wheelchair title. Alcott defeated long-time rival and No.2 seed David Wagner in a match which he described as one of the best played between the pair. It was also the first wheelchair final broadcast live on national television.
The 2020 Australian Open will land this January, get your tickets through Ticketmaster.com.au.
