- The Serbian who is chasing his 11th Australian Open title at Rod Laver Arena
- Tournament officials allowed fans to freely walk in and out of the arena
- Djokovic is defending his 2023 win
Australian Open free movement of fans after every match dubbed the free mobility rule will do more harm than good, Novak Djokovic says.
The Serbian who is chasing his 11th Australian Open title at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne faulted tournament organizers over this rule.
He says that it was a big surprise learning about this rule because organizers of the event kept it under wraps until the tournament started.
Australian Open Free Movement of Fans
Djokovic experienced a constant flow of fans entering and exiting the Rod Laver Arena after his first match with Dino Prizmic.
He says this system wastes a lot of time for players heading for or from matches despite acknowledging that it was a decision made after lengthy thinking.
“For me it is complicated because I am used to something else and we have lost a lot of time. I understand that it is a decision taken more thinking about the people and I know that there are players like Frances Tiafoe who like it,” he said.
Novak Djokovic Vs Dino Prizmic
Novak Djokovic Vs Dino Prizmic. Photo/ATP Tour
Djokovic overcame a valiant fightback from Croatian teenager Prizmic to win 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling three-hour encounter at the Australian Open.
The defending champion looked poised for a routine victory after cruising through the first set. But Prizmic, brimming with confidence and powerful hitting, roared back, claiming the second set in a tiebreak and pushing Djokovic to the brink in the third.
The crowd at Rod Laver Arena was treated to a masterclass in resilience and mental fortitude. Prizmic, playing in his Grand Slam debut, kept Djokovic on his toes with aggressive net play and fearless serves.
However, Djokovic’s experience shone through in the crucial moments, particularly in the fourth set where he broke Prizmic’s serve early and never looked back.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion said Prizmic is a unique player given his age and tennis skills.
“He deserved every applause, every credit that he got tonight…He has a bright future ahead of him, and I just had to dig deep and find my best level to get through this match,” he said.
What is the Prize Money for Australian Open 2024?
The Australian Open 2024 has a record-breaking total prize money pool of AU$86.5 million. This is a 13% increase from last year’s tournament.
Novak Djokovic during a tennis match. Photo/CNN
A significant boost ensures increased payouts across all rounds, benefiting both established players and emerging talents. Additionally, players who qualify for the main draw through the qualifying rounds also receive prize money, starting at AU$31,250 for first-round qualifiers.
Here’s a breakdown of the prize money distribution for singles and doubles champions:
Australian Open 2024 Singles:
- Winner: AU$3,150,000
- Runner-up: AU$1,725,000
- Semifinalists: AU$990,000
- Quarterfinalists: AU$600,000
- Round 4: AU$375,000
- Round 3: AU$255,000
- Round 2: AU$180,000
- Round 1: AU$120,000
Australian Open 2024 Doubles:
- Champions: AU$675,000 per team
- Runners-up: AU$337,500 per team
- Semifinalists: AU$195,000 per team
- Quarterfinalists: AU$110,000 per team
- Round 2: AU$65,000 per team
- Round 1: AU$36,000 per team
What is Australian Open Known For?
Unlike the stern silence of Wimbledon or the roar of Flushing Meadows, the Australian Open thrives on a laid-back, almost festive atmosphere. Fans in Akubra hats cheer with gusto as Aussie slang peppers the commentary, and impromptu barbeques sizzle across the Melbourne Park.
It’s tennis with a smile, a celebration of camaraderie that transcends fierce competition. From retractable roofs ensuring seamless play rain or shine to cutting-edge Hawk-Eye technology, the Australian Open embraces technological advancements.
Drones deliver tennis balls, virtual reality experiences transport fans to center court, and digital avatars personalize the experience. It’s a glimpse into the future of tennis, where tech and tradition beautifully collide.
Melbourne Park transforms into a microcosm of the world, with flags from every corner of the globe fluttering along the fences. International delicacies tantalize taste buds, local musicians serenade crowds, and cultural performances add a kaleidoscope of color. It’s a celebration of diversity, where the language of tennis unites fans from every background.
The Australian Open transcends the court. From rooftop cinema screenings to live music stages buzzing with local talent, there’s something for everyone beyond the baseline. Tennis clinics for kids, interactive exhibits showcasing the sport’s history, and family-friendly entertainment zones make it a destination for all ages.
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