Why you will love the Australian Open Tennis Qualifying Tournament

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[Updated Jan 2024]

Welcome to the Australian Open Qualifying Tournament. In Melbourne, our Aus Open flags are already flying and you can get into tennis fever early at Melbourne Park for AO Opening Week 8-13 January 2024. The Australian Open sees the world’s best tennis players (minus Raphael Nadal & Madison Keys sob, sob) competing for the first Grand Slam championship title of the year.

So did you know, you can enjoy a wonderful day of tennis at the Australian Open Qualifying Tournament during Opening Week?

Won’t you come for a wander with me?

What is AO Opening Week?

Opening Week is held before the Australian Open when Melbourne Park is open for the Qualifying Singles Tournament (Mon-Friday January 8-11)

In addition, you can also buy tickets to attend Charity Showdown matches Spain no. 1 vs Aus no. 1 between Carlos Alcaraz and Alex De Minaur (January 10) A Night with Novak & Friends (January 11) Grand Slam Champions and future superstars (January 12)

Opening Week concludes with Kids Tennis Day (Sat January 13)

It is your opportunity to enjoy Melbourne Park, without the crowds at a bargain price. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Why we love the Qualifying Singles Tournament

We started hosting professional tennis players, their partners, and coaches competing at the Australian Open in 2008 and continued until 2020. It has given us a unique insight into the world of professional tennis.

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

What is the Australian Open Qualifying Tournament?

The 2024 AO Qualifying Tournament offers 128 male and female players, just outside the world’s top 100 pro tennis players (including 18 wildcard players) an opportunity for one of 16 qualifying places in the Australian Open main draw. To achieve this they must play and win three consecutive matches.

This year the Qualifying Tournament is held between Sunday 8th January and Thursday 11th January 2024. It is your opportunity to watch the next generation’s brightest stars battle for a chance to qualify for AO24.

Where is the Aus Open Qualifying Tournament held?

It’s held at Melbourne Park home of the Australian Open. What I enjoy most about attending ‘Qualies’ as the players call it, is that sense of getting a taste of the AO24 before most people. Sure there is a lot off limits but you get a real feel of the behind-the-scenes effort to put on one of the world’s best sporting events.

The Qualifying tournament is held in Kia Arena, 1573 Arena, and on the outside courts from Court 3 to Court 17.

You just never know who you might bump into as you wander around.

Who is playing in the Qualifying Tournament in 2024

Full details of players are found below:

Men’s AO Qualifying Singles

Women’s AO Qualifying Singles

How much does it cost?

This year Qualifying Tournament entry costs $10 per ticket via Ticketmaster.

What makes the Qualifying Tournament so special?

• It’s a bargain, not quite so much of a bargain as it used to be free, but at $10 per ticket, it keeps tennis accessible.
• There are virtually no queues and you can walk straight in – enjoy.
• Gates open at 9.30 am matches start at 10 am AEDT. Find the 2024 Match Schedule here
• The matches can be amazing the 2024 total prize money has been increased by $10 million to $AU 86.5 million. The singles champions in the men’s and women’s singles draws will each earn A$3.15m (£1.7m) there is a lot at stake.
• The number one women’s seed Dayana Yastremska, from Ukraine, has a world ranking of 98. The top men’s seed Quentin Halys Quentin Halys from France is currently ranked 100. There is a depth of talent in this year’s qualifying tournament.
• The Aus Open Fan shop is open, buy your favourite tennis shirt, hat, or towel before stocks run out.

Empty Seats!

What’s the first thing you notice? Is it all the empty seats? You won’t find this in the following weeks. 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?

Watching Practice Matches.

In addition to the qualifying competition matches, fans have the opportunity to watch some high-profile players’ practice matches.

Kids Tennis Day

Whether you’re a big or little kid, I have always enjoyed this Saturday when Melbourne Park is overrun by future Champions! The Aus Open has always been amazing for all the extra things that happen around tennis. The schedule this year is phenomenal!

Kids Tennis Day presented by Emirates is the smash hit for the whole family! Grab the kids and join us for a day of non-stop fun and excitement these summer holidays. Jam-packed with performances, character appearances, arena spectaculars and so much more.

Melbourne Park

It’s exciting wandering 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. Every year the impressive investment in the tournament ensures new ‘wows’ to exceed players’ and fans’ expectations. But don’t just take my word for it, get yourselves down to Melbourne Park and see what you think, it won’t break the bank!

Australian Open Qualifying Tournament Final Details

• For all the entry requirements and tickets here.
• For all the latest information be sure to check out the Australian Open website here.
• Little Wandering Wren’s What to Pack for the Australian Open
• Little Wandering Wren’s Keeping your cool at the Australian Open.
• Download the AO App to have all the information needed at your fingertips.

I may be completely biased towards our Happy Slam, as the players call the Australian Open, but I reckon watching world-class tennis for $10, is the best value tennis ticket in town, you’d be mad to miss out.

Have fun at the Australian Open Qualifying Tournament. Happy watching!

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