Australian Open 2022 Qualifying Singles Tournament

I just love the Aus Open Qualifying Singles Tournament. It’s a well-kept secret.

Whilst the eyes of the world’s media are focused on Novak Djokovic and whether or not he will be allowed to play at Melbourne Park, quietly behind the scenes the Australian Open has already started.

I may be completely biased towards our Happy Slam, as the players call the Australian Open, but I reckon if you want to watch world-class tennis for free, that’s right for free, then you’d be mad to miss out.

We’ve been hosting professional tennis players, their partners, and coaches competing at the Australian Open, since 2008. It has given us a unique insight into the world of professional tennis at the Australian Open and beyond.

Sadly since Covid started I am yet to return home but have put together this guide for those on the ground who are fully vaccinated who wish to attend. Yes, you need to show your vaccination certificate to attend as a spectator.

Some years this involves the Qualifying tournament. Much as every player would love to walk straight into the Asia Pacific Grand Slam, entry via ‘Qualies’ into the Australian Open main draw, is particularly exciting for us all.

But while the men’s qualifying event was held in Doha, and women’s qualifying was in Dubai last year because of the global pandemic, we are happy to have it back at Melbourne Park in 2022.

Won’t you come and join me as I take you on a wander around?! Photos from the 2019 Qualifying competition.

What is the Qualifying Tournament?

The 2022 AO Qualifying tournament is where 128 male and female players, just outside the world’s top 150 pro tennis players (including 8 wildcard players) must play and win three consecutive matches for one of 16 qualifying places in the Australian Open main draw.

This year to be held between Sunday 9th January and Friday 14th January 2020 at Melbourne Park.

Who will make the main draw?

WHO IS PLAYING IN 2022

Full details of players are found below:

• 2022 Men’s Qualifying Singles Draw
• 2022 Women’s Qualifying Singles Draw

Keep your eyes peeled and you never know who you will spot!

Ellen Perez, who qualified at Wimbledon in 2021, meets former world No.24, Christina McHale. While 17-year-old wildcard Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz faces a test against former world No.29 and Australian Open 2008 doubles champion Kateryna Bondarenko.

What makes the Qualifying Tournament so special?

• It’s free!
• There are no queues and you can walk straight in – enjoy.
• Gates open at 9.30 am matches start at 10 am AEDT. For the 2022 Match Schedule click here
• You can easily find a seat. Where else in the world can I invite all my girlfriends to join me to watch professional tennis, and we can have the whole grandstand to ourselves?
• The matches are amazing with the 2022 prize money for champions at 4.4 million there is a lot at stake.
• It is held on-site at Melbourne Park, home of the Aussie Open. It is fun to see the build-up and excitement as we count down to Day One on Monday 17th January 2022.
• The Aus Open Fan shop is open for business, buy your favourite tennis shirt, hat or towel before stocks run out.

What’s the first thing you notice? Is it all the empty seats? You won’t find this next week!

A walk around the outside courts at this time of year brings a myriad of surprises and you never know who you will literally bump into.

It’s held at Melbourne Park

Not all Grand Slams are fortunate enough to hold their qualifying tournaments on-site, not all Grand Slams are generous enough to provide this unique insight into the tennis world for free.

Contrast this with the Wimbledon Qualifying competition, where there is a small charge to enter which goes to charity, and it is held off-site on what I can only describe as a massive (albeit posh) field. We are so blessed with our Australian Open for sure.

WATCHING PRACTICE MATCHES

Last year in addition to the qualifying competition matches and the practice schedule they also offered fans the opportunity to watch some high-profile players practice matches.

For all the latest information be sure to check out the Australian Open website here.

ROD LAVER ARENA
Here at Rod Laver Arena, the centre court of the Australian Open the reflective glass which highlights the sunshine will be the backdrop to many a selfie I’m sure!

Smile as you go past as the players will be smiling out at you for sure from their Player Cafe inside.

I love that feeling of excitement and being at Melbourne Park before the crowds. Every year at Melbourne Park the changes are incredible and it’s fun to see what’s new.

Tennis Australia recognises that the rest of Asia would love to get its hands on this Grand Slam. There is no shortage of investment it goes all out for the new ‘wows’ set to exceed players and the fans’ expectations.

I’m impressed. But don’t just take my word for it. To get all the info you need on attending the AO 2022 check out the AO Website here and download the AO App. The Australia Open 2022 Site Map is found here.

2022 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• You will need to show proof of vaccination to enter the AO precinct
• AO 2022 is a cashless event
• For all the entry requirements watch Plan your AO day video

If you are planning on attending the AO 2022 between January 17 – 30 you might like the post:  Keeping your cool at the Australian Open.

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The 2022 Summer of Tennis has been a top news story already around the globe. I can’t wait to see what next and how defending champions Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka proceed. We are looking forward to a great Aus Open. Where ever you are watching, spare a thought for those 16 men and women who have qualified to join the main draw. How ace is that?!

Happy watching!