As we step into the tennis season of 2024, the excitement is palpable, and the action is set to unfold Down Under during the Australian summer swing. The beginning of the year is a whirlwind of anticipation as players gear up for the first Grand Slam of the season. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the must-watch ATP, WTA, and wheelchair tournaments in January.
The Unmissable:
- Australian Open
- Adelaide International
- ASB Classic
- Brisbane International United Cup (29 December – 7 January)
United Cup: Tennis Unleashed in a Mixed Format
The tennis world is abuzz as the United Cup returns with a revamped format, hosting 18 nations in Perth and Sydney for tennis’ only mixed tournament. The British team, featuring stalwarts like Cam Norrie and Katie Boulter, faces a formidable challenge against Australia and the USA. Eyes are set on reaching the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year.
Brisbane International: Nadal and Osaka Return to Court
From December 31 to January 7, the Brisbane International promises a star-studded affair. The likes of Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka will grace the courts in this combined WTA 500 and ATP 250 event. The competition will be fierce, featuring players like Aryna Sabalenka, Andy Murray, and rising star Holger Rune.
ASB Classic: Raducanu’s Comeback Story Unfolds
From January 1-7, the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, takes centre stage. The return of 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu adds a layer of intrigue to the tournament. After a challenging 2023 marked by surgeries, Raducanu, armed with a wild card, is ready to make a triumphant return and capture headlines once again.
8-13 Jan: A Week Packed with Tennis Action
- Adelaide International 2 (ATP 250/WTA 500)
- ASB Classic (ATP 250)
- Hobart International (WTA 250)
- Victorian Wheelchair Open (ITF Series 1)
Adelaide 2: The Saga Continues
The second week of January brings the continuation of the Adelaide International, a thrilling blend of ATP and WTA events. With past records of hosting epic clashes and big names, this tournament is a definite highlight of January’s tennis calendar.
14-19 Jan: Grand Slam Fever in Melbourne
The Grand Slam action kicks off in Melbourne with the Australian Open and the Melbourne Wheelchair Open (ITF Super Series). From January 8-11, the qualifying rounds set the stage for main draw action starting on January 14. British stars, including Norrie, Evans, Murray, and Boulter, join international heavyweights like Nadal, Osaka, and Kerber for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
20-28 Jan: Wheelchair Warriors Take the Stage
The Australian Open action continues into the second week as the wheelchair draw unfolds. Defending champion Alfie Hewett leads the pack in the men’s singles, accompanied by a formidable lineup including Gordon Reid, Lucy Shuker, and Andy Lapthorne in various categories.
Conclusion
January 2024 is poised to be a tennis spectacle, with a perfect blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents. Get ready for a month filled with breathtaking matches, unexpected comebacks, and the sheer thrill of the game.
