Poor financial conditions could force Australian Open to move to China admits Director Craig Tiley

In recent times, the Slam of Southern Hemisphere is facing some financial issues and extra pressure on the existing infrastructure.

Poor financial conditions could force Australian Open to move to China admits Director Craig Tiley

The much-awaited Australian Open 2023 is just about a couple of weeks away. The tennis stars have started to land in Australia to participate in the first Grand Slam of the season. Amid the build-up to the Slam, some disturbing reports have emerged, casting doubt on the future of the tournament in Melbourne. 

Tennis Australian director Craig Tiley revealed the poor finances of the Major and how other cities like Sydney and even Shanghai have shown interest in holding the event. Tiley cited the lack of facilities in comparison to the other Slams as the major reason other cities are trying to ‘steal’ away the tournament. Melbourne has a contract to hold the event until 2046. 

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“There was a period back in 2010 when there was significant interest from Sydney and significant interest from Shanghai,” Tiley told Herald Sun about the previous attempts by other cities to take the tournament away from Melbourne. 

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Further shedding some light on the poor finances of the Australian Open, Tiley said Tennis Australia was in no position to fund improvements itself and needed funds from other sources. Although the facilities at the tournament have recently undergone a redevelopment, Tiley talked about the need for some new courts.

The precarious financial position of the Australian Open

The first of the four Grand Slam events, the Australian Open, was founded in 1905. The Open is the highest-attended Major event and also the first Grand Slam tournament to feature indoor play during wet weather or extreme heat. The ‘Happy Slam’ also contributes heavily to the economy of Victoria state. 

Australian Open

But in recent times, the Slam of Southern Hemisphere is facing some financial issues and extra pressure on the existing infrastructure. Tennis Australia director Craig Tiley has revealed the poor financial situation of the Australian Open. He recently revealed the $1 billion given to the organization over the past decade to enhance the facilities is not enough. The COVID pandemic has also impacted the event negatively.

The Australian Open may stay in Melbourne or move away somewhere, but as for as the 2023 edition is concerned, everything has fallen into place. It will start on January 16 and all the fans are waiting with bated breath. Will Rafael Nadal successfully defend his title or Novak Djokovic will be crowned champion for the record tenth time or even a new champion will emerge, all will be decided in the coming few weeks.

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