The Australian Open is back, with the world's best tennis players going head to head.
Here is everything you need to know about the first Grand Slam of 2022.
WHEN IS THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2022?
The Australian Open 2022 will be played between January 17-30 at Melbourne Park in Victoria, Australia.
HOW MANY FANS WILL BE ALLOWED AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN IN 2022?
The Victorian government has introduced new restrictions on crowd capacity at Melbourne Park just days out from the start of the year's first grand slam.
As the Omicron variant continues to spread through Melbourne and its outer regions, a call has been made by state government to cap Australian Open crowds at 50 per cent.
All in attendance are also expected to be required to wear masks inside the arenas except when eating or drinking.
Tennis fans who have already bought Australian Open tickets need not worry, with all tickets already sold to be honoured, regardless of any capacity restrictions.
However, all future sales of tickets for the showpiece event will be limited to keep capacity to a maximum of 50 per cent.
It means Australian tennis' showpiece event will be played in front of smaller crowds for the second straight year thanks to COVID-19.
WHERE IS THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN HELD?
The Australian Open is held each year at Melbourne Park, and the facility will continue to host the tournament in 2022.
Rod Laver Arena is the biggest court and hosts all the finals along with most top-seed matches. The nearby Margaret Court Arena also stages some of the biggest matches of the first grand slam of the year, while Melbourne Arena - which is open to anyone with a ground pass - is renowned as the rowdiest court at Melbourne Park.
HOW TO WATCH THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2022
Channel 9 has the rights to the Australian Open and will broadcast the tournament, with every game available to be live-streamed via their 9Now app.
You can watch on laptop or mobile and choose which match and which court you want to focus on.
Top-seed matchups and Australian players will be featured across their running free-to-air coverage.
WHAT IS THE PRIZE MONEY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2022?
Grand Slam tournaments are known to feature hefty paydays for the athletes.
Prize money for winners in every category has been boosted, following a COVID-affected 2021 tournament.
There is a total of $75 million up for grabs in 2022, representing a 4.5 percent increase from last year.
A full breakdown of the prize money is available here.
WHO ARE THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS?
Naomi Osaka is the defending women's singles champion following her straight-sets win over Jennifer Brady in 2021.
This marked her second Australian Open title.
In the men's draw, Novak Djokovic is the reigning champion.
His straight-sets victory over Daniil Medvedev at the last tournament was a record-breaking 9th championship for the Serb.
WHO HAS WON THE LAST 10 AUSTRALIAN OPEN TITLES?
| Year | Mens | Womens |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Novak Djokovic | Naomi Osaka |
| 2020 | Novak Djokovic | Sofia Kenin |
| 2019 | Novak Djokovic | Naomi Osaka |
| 2018 | Roger Federer | Caroline Wozniacki |
| 2017 | Roger Federer | Serena Williams |
| 2016 | Novak Djokovic | Angelique Kerber |
| 2015 | Novak Djokovic | Serena Williams |
| 2014 | Stan Wawrinka | Li Na |
| 2013 | Novak Djokovic | Victoria Azarenka |
| 2012 | Novak Djokovic | Victoria Azarenka |
AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2022 MEN'S SINGLES ODDS
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Daniil Medvedev | $1.90 |
| Rafael Nadal | $3.50 |
| Stefanos Tsitsipas | $6.00 |
| Matteo Berrettini | $8.00 |
| Felix Auger Aliassime | $41.00 |
Odds courtesy of TAB
AUSTRALIAN OPEN WOMEN'S 2022 SINGLES ODDS
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Ashleigh Barty | $1.50 |
| Iga Świątek | $4.80 |
| Madison Keys | $8.00 |
| Danielle Collins | $9.00 |
Odds courtesy of TAB
