# AUSTRALIAN OPEN FAST FACTS | CNN
**DATES**
The Australian Open, one of the four « Grand Slam » tournaments in professional tennis, is scheduled to take place from January 13-28, 2024. This prestigious event is held annually at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. It is played on hard courts with a distinctive blue surface.
**RECENT CHAMPIONSHIPS**
In 2023, Novak Djokovic secured his 10th Australian Open title by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka made history by becoming the first player competing under a neutral flag to win a grand slam. The total prize money for the 2024 Australian Open hit a record high of $86.5 million AUD, showcasing the tournament’s significance in the world of tennis.
**HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENTS**
The Australian Open has witnessed remarkable achievements throughout its history. From the youngest winners, such as Ken Rosewall at age 18 and Martina Hingis at 16, to the oldest winners, including Thelma Long at 35 and Ken Rosewall at 37, this tournament has showcased a wide range of talent over the years. Additionally, the tournament has seen incredible streaks of consecutive wins, with Roy Emerson clinching five titles in a row on the men’s side and Margaret Court achieving seven consecutive victories on the women’s side. Notably, Novak Djokovic holds the record for the most singles titles overall with 10, while Margaret Court leads the women’s category with 11 titles.
**HISTORICAL MILESTONES**
The Australian Open has a rich history that dates back to 1905 when it was known as the Australasian Championships. Over the years, the tournament went through several name changes before officially becoming the Australian Open in 1969. In 2001, the event made a significant move towards equality by instituting equal prize money for men and women. However, the tournament has not been without controversy, as evidenced by the visa and Covid-19 vaccination dispute that led to Novak Djokovic’s deportation in 2022 and his subsequent ban from entering Australia.
By understanding these fast facts about the Australian Open, one can truly appreciate the tournament’s historical significance and its impact on the world of tennis.
**REFERENCES**
– [CNN – Novak Djokovic’s 2023 Australian Open Victory](https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/29/tennis/novak-djokovic-stefanos-tsitsipas-australian-open-final-spt-intl/index.html)
– [CNN – Aryna Sabalenka’s Historic Win at the 2023 Australian Open](https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/28/tennis/rybakina-sabalenka-australian-open-womens-final/)
– [Australian Open Official Website – Prize Money Increases for 2024](https://ausopen.com/articles/news/australian-open-prize-money-hits-record-high-10-million-increase-2024)
– [CNN – Timeline of Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open Controversy](https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/12/tennis/timeline-novak-djokovic-australian-open-spt-intl/index.html)
– [CNN – Australia Repeals Novak Djokovic’s Ban](https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/15/tennis/australia-overturn-djokovic-visa-ban-intl-hnk-spt/index.html)