The January tournaments in Australia.

2009 Australian Open Series.

Daniela Hantochova. 

There is more to the 2009 Australian Open than just the Grand Slam event held in Melbourne at

Melbourne Park. This tournament is part of a series of three tournaments held in Australia in January. The series kicks off with the Brisbane International in Queensland held between January 4^th. thru 11^th. at the new $80 million stadium. This event is the largest and newest sports event held in Brisbane, and attracts many of the world’s top players who use the event to sharpen up their games, and to shake off the few pounds they may have gained over the Christmas season. For some players the Xmas break is the only time they get to go home to visit their families, and to jump straight back into a Grand Slam event is expecting too much. So they opt to play in Brisbane. Ticket prices here for the final match of either the Women’s or Men’s competition are just $179 each. Already signed up are Ana Ivanovic, Daniela Hantochova, and for the men’s draw Djokovic, Tsonga, Monfils, Baghdatis, Gasquet and Fish.

 

Another tournament for Women players only, is held between January 9^th and 16^th. on the courts in Hobart Tasmania. Known as the Morilla Hobart International, this boutique tournament has attracted as many as 6 of the top 10 women players in previous years, who choose to play in a quieter, holiday-like atmosphere. Ticket prices here for the Final match are just $35 each.

 

Compare these seat prices to those charged at the Rod Laver arena at the Australian Open, where a ticket for a Final match will cost a whopping $290!

If the Men’s final happens to be an epic rematch of the Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal, then the seat price might be justifiable, but of course there is no guarantee either player will make it. I would not pay $290 to see a two set, one-sided match between Serena and Kuznetsova, or a 6-2, 6-0 win by Ivanovic over a player from China who has made the final through an injury to her opponent. If Venus plays in the tournament then book a seat for her match with her sister, I guarantee that it will be the best match of the Ladies draw, and if it occurs as a quarter final match it will only cost $75.

Maria Sharapova is expected to be present to defend her 2008 title, the condition of her injured shoulder is still in question, but she will play an exhibition in Hong Kong the week prior to the Open to evaluate her injury. We know that she wants to play, but coming back too soon could be disastrous for her. How good she will be after such a long lay off is any body’s guess, but if she plays she will add a much needed boost to the Women’s draw.

On the Men’s side it will be up to Novak Djokovic to prove that his 2008 victory was not just a one time occurrence. He finished 2008 in great form, and he should be the favourite to win again.