I just love the Qualifying Tournament. It is tennis’ best-kept secret.
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.
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.
Won’t you come and join me as I take you on a wander around?! Photos from 2019 Qualifying competition.
What is the Qualifying Tournament?
The 2020 AO Qualifying tournament is where 128 male and female players, just outside the world’s top 100 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 Tuesday 13th January and Friday 17th January 2020 at Melbourne Park.
What makes the Qualifying Tournament so special?
- It’s free!
- There are no queues and you can walk straight in – enjoy, as it will be mayhem with over 780,00 fans attending in the next two weeks.
- Gates open 9.30 am Matches start at 10 am AEDT. For the 2020 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 2019 Prize money increased to AUD A$71,000,000. (USD $49m) 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 20th January 2020.
- 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
This is Rod Laver Arena, the centre court of the Australian Open and which had quite a facelift last year. Architecturally it’s a winner, 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 player 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 2020 check out the AO Website here and download the AO App.
AO website contains all the information you need
If you are planning on attending the AO 2020 you might like the post: Keeping your cool at the Australian Open.
2019/2020 BUSHFIRES
I am fielding a few questions from those out of Australia wondering how the current bushfires are affecting the tennis?
Here in Melbourne, we have been protected from bushfires which are raging elsewhere in Victoria. Our air quality has been affected and is being monitored for player and spectator safety. It varies from day to day, depending on wind direction.
This week there is a Rally for Relief Tennis Fundraiser – Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, January 15 at 6.30 pm tickets available here
“AO Rally for Relief is part of the broader Aces for Bushfire Relief program, launched by Tennis Australia last week in response to the devastating bushfire crisis across the country, and which has been embraced by the global tennis community.”
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Whilst the 2020 Summer of Tennis is not without its challenges, 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!
Linking with thanks to Angie at Mosaic Monday
12 comments
It looks like great fun!! Wow No crowds! Had to be enjoyable! Have a grand week!
A few more crowds this year Cathy but still masses of seats and great fun for fans!
Have a grand week too!
Wren x
What a fabulous event to attend! Love your photos and it’s interesting to know about the air conditions. We are all praying for those in danger of the fires.
Free once you get there. But getting to Australia… Glad to hear you haven’t been too affected by the fires.
G’day Go on LIz – you know you want to! Australia needs tourists and we’d show you a good time! xx
Hi Wren…interesting info about Tennis. Nice to know the secret of seeing great games before the size of the crowds and costs rise steeply. So glad you are safe from the horrible fires and hope they are brought under control sooner rather than later. …. I couldn’t find a place to comment on the amazing tea at the Bangkok Hotel post below….the whole post seemed like a beautiful dream! How wonderful you got to be there for the amazing experience. and I hope you get to go again with your daughter this time, for the fabulous looking treats that are within her dietary needs! I would eat any (or all) of them))!
Wren – what a pleasant shock to know you can attend this event for free and not have to fight crowds. Sounds like a very well-kept secret. Except all these people you now told through your blog – LOL. Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday – great to have you back again!
Interestingly – it was as busy as I’ve ever seen it this year, Angie! You’re right word is getting out! I think there were several reasons for this. The tournament is slightly later in the month, there were more people choosing a city vacation, given the bushfires and I think we all needed something fun to talk about in Australia!
Lovely to be back, Angie many thanks.
Wren x
I’m impressed that it’s free!
I am too Linda! The Aussie Open is the most accessible Grand Slams in the world, I love the fact that any one can attend, either in this way before the Main draw starts, or by attending the special watching zone in our Federation Square in the city.
Hello, it does look like a fun event to attend. I am glad you are safe from the wildfires, hopefully they have them under control now. Enjoy your day, wishing you a great new week ahead!
Melbourne does big events and festivals so well. This year has been really challenging because of the diverse range of weather conditions the earth has thrown at us Down Under. Yes, thank you Melbourne is well away from the Bushfire area – all good here now!
Have a lovely week too Eileen.
Wren x