Should Australian Open be brought back?

[Betfair Pro Punter]

This is just my opinion but should the Australian Open be brought back a few months , more likely in March or April rather than the 3rd week of the tennis calendar year?

I for one think most of the players on tour agree that having the grand slam this early in this season is too early and having only 2 weeks of preparation is hardly enough for all players. (Of course its good for the fans, as it is most people are still on summer holidays/school break) Most players will probably have only 1 hit out before the 1st major of the season, hardly enough compared to say the US Open or French where, there is at least 4-6 weeks preparation.

The replies will be "it clashes with the footy season, F1 etc" but Im sure the sporting public of Melbourne can support both events simulatenously and even if they did clash, im sure the AFL could re-arrange their schedule to fit in with the tennis.

 

[Scruff83]

Leave it as it is i say, it's part of what makes it unique among the grand slams. You've gotta overcome the heat and limited preperation to win.

 

[Smell The Glove]

I wouldnt put it back that far. But I would consider shifting it two weeks to the start of February, with warm up tournaments starting in the second/third weeks of January.

 

[red+black]

Brought back? Where did it go?

 

[wally funk]

i had a fair idea they've already decided to move it to march due to complaints about the heat and the short season break. think it's meant to be moved as of 2009.

 

[Ricketts]

It would be better if it was a bit later in the year.

- More of a break over Xmas and new year.
- Not as hot.
- We can have a more decent lead-up season - E.G. a Masters Series event in Sydney or somehting.

 

[red+black]

We shouldn't change our dates unless the French and Wimbledon are also rescheduled. It's ridiculous that there is a mere two weeks between two major tournaments on clay and grass.

The grass season needs to be extended. Extend the gap to about 5 weeks.

 

[Scruff83]

i had a fair idea they've already decided to move it to march due to complaints about the heat and the short season break. think it's meant to be moved as of 2009.

Nah, its the same next year...

Australian Open 2009 will take place from January 12-25, 2009.

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/dailylog/20080102.html

 

[stmookeyj]

I think the season should be shortened so there's virtually nothing on in November and December. That way they all get 2 months off. Move the French forward a fortnight, the US forward a week and cut a few meaningless tournaments in between.

 

[tigers71]

I think the season should be shortened so there's virtually nothing on in November and December. That way they all get 2 months off. Move the French forward a fortnight, the US forward a week and cut a few meaningless tournaments in between.

How do you suppose this is going to happen? There is no meaningless tournaments on the tour. The players can take breaks. Keep it as it is, they are professionals. This means they have to play in all conditions. Thats what makes playing tennis as a professional interesting ad they make millions apon millions a year

 

[FootyJunkie]

Leave it as it is. If there is a grand slam that needs to a schedule change its the French Open. Besides the fact its on clay, its only a mere few weeks before Wimbledon that people almost forget its on, its like the black sheep of the Grand Slams.

As for the Aussie Open, I always think it would be best to have it start on the Friday Night, with mens and womens number 1s playing their first round game to kick start the tourney, give seed 128 some prime time exposure Then have it go over 3 weekends. You'd get big crowds on that first weekend plus the extra few days and give some schedule flexibility for players, perhaps getting two days off instead of just one later in the tourney.
I suppose all the local pre-Open tourneys such as NSW Open and Kooyong would have something to say about that though.

The heat factor is one thing that makes the Aussie Open unique compared to say Wimbledon where the courts are covered half time from rain.