What makes the Australian Open conditions unique?

The first Grand Slam of the tennis season is the Australian Open, and that’s been the case for the entirety of the Open Era and even before that. The event is hugely popular among fans and players, but what makes it so special? Quite a few things, and we’re going to go over some of those below.

The climate

We can’t really talk about the Australian Open conditions without mentioning the climate because the climate is a big part of it. It gets pretty hot down under, and lots of players tend to struggle with that because the type of dry heat found in Australia is not forgiving.

It’s part of why most players prepare for it in the Middle East, because that part of the year mimics the conditions in Australia well, especially in the wintertime. It’s also one of the rare places where you can practice outdoors in the heat because most countries where players hail from are rather cold during those days.

Travel

Another aspect of the Australian Open experience that makes it unique is the travel. With most players based in either Europe or the United States, Australia is a very different timezone.

Physically, it takes a long time to reach, with some players needing to fly 14-15 hours to arrive in Melbourne. In fact, most players coming from Europe stop by in the Middle East on their way there both for practice and to lessen the fatigue from travel. Nobody really wants to be crammed into a plane seat for the better part of a day.

The impact of jet lag is also real, because of the shift in timezone. Players will often find themselves struggling to sleep at night for the first few days of their arrival in Australia.

Night matches

Another staple of the Australian Open are the night matches, which are both a necessity to escape the heat but also something that’s simply been part of the tournament forever. 

There are generally two night matches, one women’s and one men’s match, and usually they feature some of the best players taking part in the event. It’s just a very cool thing to experience because the crowd creates a superb atmosphere, but it’s also a challenge for players to adapt their schedules to the late finishes.

Crowds

Speaking of the crowds, these are what makes the Australian Open rather special. While the other events feature solid crowds, especially Paris and New York, the Aussie crowd is unique. 

The country is a huge melting pot of cultures, ensuring that basically anybody who plays there will have native fans supporting them. If you’re Italian, there are lots of Italian people there, same for Russians, Polish people or Greeks. There are indeed lots of Greek people there, which is why Stefanos Tsitsipas likes to play there.

The crowd is also superb at creating atmosphere because if there is one thing that Aussies like to do, it’s having a good time, and they bring you along for the ride. Players need to be prepared for some distraction, especially if they’re playing a local, or at the end of a day when a few beverages have been consumed.

Court speed

The Australian Open almost always plays fast. It’s become somewhat of a tradition to have fast courts because lots of players like it. If you’re wondering why Daniil Medvedev never bemoaned the Australian Open courts, it’s because they play quick, which is exactly how he likes it.

There is a reason after all why he made the final there a couple of times, including last year when he nearly won the event again. The Russian came close twice, just a set away but simply couldn’t get it done. He’ll have another chance in a couple of weeks when the 2025 edition rolls around.

This court speed is a challenge, however, for players who are used to a slower, higher bounce, and having time to set up their shots.

Calendar position

Finally, we have to mention the position of the event in the tennis calendar. The event usually starts in the third calendar week of the new season, which is vastly different compared to all the other Grand Slams. 

The other majors take place in the middle of the season at a time when players have played for weeks, and are in a good place with their games. That’s not the case with the Australian Open, which comes in hot, so there isn’t much time to really play lots of tennis. You have two weeks to get ready, and if you don’t play lots of matches, you’ll be entering the event pretty cold. It’s what makes it so difficult to win.

It also brings a huge unknown factor, as some players make big steps forward in their offseasons, and this is the first time we get to see them on Tour.

More on Australian Open

• Tips for traveling to the Australian Open
• Betting guide for Australian Open
• Australian Open tournament guide