Australian Open’s Day 1 Showcases Defending Champions Djokovic and Sabalenka
In a spectacular opening to the Australian Open, fans are set to witness top-tier tennis as defending champions Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka take centre stage. The action will be broadcast live and free across Channel 9, 9Gem, and 9Now, ensuring nationwide accessibility for this thrilling event.
Day Session: Commencing at 11.00am AEDT
The day session offers a lineup brimming with talent, kicking off at 11.00am AEDT. Australian hopefuls Adam Walton, Dane Sweeny, Chris O’Connell, and Jason Kubler are poised to showcase their skills against international opponents Matteo Arnaldi (ITA), Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) [22], Christian Garin (CHI), and Daniel Elahi Galan (COL), respectively.
In addition, the day session features Leylah Fernandez (CAN) [32] battling against Sara Bejlek (CZE), offering a glimpse of the rising stars in women’s tennis. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner (ITA) faces Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) in what promises to be a gripping encounter. Closing the day’s play, Maria Sakkari (GRE) [8] will take on Nao Hibino (JPN), adding another layer of excitement to the lineup.
Night Session: Starting at 7.00pm AEDT
The evening session, commencing at 7.00pm AEDT, is headlined by the top seeds Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] and Aryna Sabalenka [2]. Djokovic is set to play against Dino Prizmic (CRO), while Sabalenka faces off against Ella Seidel (GER). These matches are pivotal for the defending champions as they begin their campaigns to retain their titles.
Furthermore, the night session includes a match between Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) and Magda Linette (POL) [20], adding another layer of international flair to the proceedings. Completing the lineup, Frances Tiafoe (USA) [17] will compete against Borna Coric (CRO), promising an engaging battle.
The 2024 Australian Open is set to dominate the sports broadcasting scene, with Nine’s Wide World of Sports providing an unparalleled live and free viewing experience on the 9Network, commencing Sunday, January 14.
This grand slam tennis event will be broadcasted on Channel 9HD and 9GemHD, ensuring that fans don’t miss out on the best matches and biggest moments of the tournament.
In an unprecedented move, 9Now will offer live streaming of every match, enabling fans to watch any game at any time, on their preferred device, and in full HD. The platform will also feature same-day match highlights, catering to the diverse viewing preferences of tennis enthusiasts.
The men’s singles competition is highly anticipated, with 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic returning to defend his title.
He faces stiff competition from Carlos Alcaraz, the Wimbledon champion and world No.2, who is eager to clinch his first Australian Open victory. Other notable competitors include Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, both previous runners-up, alongside Jannick Sinner, Taylor Fritz, and Alexander Zverev.
The women’s singles draw is equally competitive. Iga Swiatek, the world No.1 from Poland, leads the field, joined by defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, 2023 US Open winner Coco Gauff, and Jess Pegula. Adding to the excitement, two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka is poised for a strong comeback.
Australia’s hopes in the men’s singles are pinned on Alex de Minaur, who recently entered the top 10 rankings, a feat last achieved by an Australian in 2006 by Lleyton Hewitt. Ajla Tomljanovic leads the Australian women’s contingent, backed by strong local support and her impressive comeback from injury.
The Australian men’s line-up also includes Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell, Jordan Thompson, Aleksandar Vukic, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Rinky Hijikata, and Christopher O’Connell. Wildcards for the men’s draw are Jason Kubler, James Duckworth, Marc Polmans, James McCabe, and Adam Walton.
In the women’s singles, wildcards Kimberly Birrell, Olivia Gadecki, Daria Saville, and Taylah Preston will be competing. The doubles events also feature top-ranked players like Storm Hunter and Matt Ebden.
Nine’s Wide World of Sports has assembled a stellar team of hosts and commentators for comprehensive coverage of the event. The commentary team includes tennis legends like Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Jelena Dokic, Todd Woodbridge, Dylan Alcott, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Stosur, Casey Dellacqua, Sam Smith, John Millman, Alicia Molik, Brenton Speed, and Peter Psaltis.
The hosts for Channel 9 are James Bracey, Roz Kelly, and Tony Jones, while Emma Lawrence, Matthew Pavlich, and Nick McArdle will host on 9Gem. Additional reporting will be provided by Clint Stanaway, Danika Mason, Georgie Parker, and Marlee Silva.
The tournament will also feature a special edition of The Hundred with Andy Lee, showcasing the biggest names in tennis. The Morning Serve on 9Now will offer a daily preview and analysis of the tournament.
In the words of Brent Williams, Nine’s Director of Sport,
“The Australian Open is without doubt the greatest sporting event on the summer calendar.
The very best players in the world converge on Melbourne for the most compelling and breathtaking fortnight of sport, where champions continue to write history, underdog stories defy the odds and our next generation of heroes are born.
Whether you are a casual fan or tennis fanatic, you will not miss a single moment of this magical event across Channel 9HD, 9GemHD or to stream anywhere, anytime for free on 9Now.”
Broadcast Times:
If I hear Tony Jones say
For the next 15 days I will scream!!