Top players from around the world battle for a $900 million prize pool as the 2013 Australian Open kicks off on January 14 next year

 

Melbourne, which has been ranked the “world’s most livable city” twice in a row, is once again preparing to host its annual sporting spectacle—the 2013 Australian Open. The event will take place at Melbourne Park from January 14 to 27, 2013, with a staggering total prize purse of 30 million Australian dollars (about NT$914 million). Nearly 4 million Australian dollars (approximately NT$121.9 million) more than last year’s total, the enticing prize money will draw top global talent to compete. Currently ranked No. 1 in men’s singles, Novak Djokovic will defend his title in a tough battle against tennis legends such as Roger Federer, 2012 US Open champion Andy Murray, and 2012 Australian Open finalist Rafael Nadal of Spain. On the women’s side, defending champion Victoria Azarenka will face challenges from Serena Williams (Little Serena), Maria Sharapova, Chinese star Li Na, local favorite Samantha Stosur, Czech rising star Lucie Šafářová, and other talented newcomers from around the world.

The total prize money for the 2013 Australian Open has reached a record-breaking 30 million Australian dollars (approximately NT$914 million), an increase of nearly 4 million Australian dollars (around NT$121.9 million) compared to last year. This attractive purse is drawing the world’s elite players to compete. Men’s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic will fight to defend his title, facing challenges from tennis greats such as Roger Federer, 2012 US Open champion Andy Murray, and 2012 Australian Open runner-up Rafael Nadal of Spain. In the women’s competition, defending champion Victoria Azarenka will go up against Serena Williams (Little W), Maria Sharapova, Chinese star Li Na, local favorite Samantha Stosur, Czech rising star Lucie Šafářová, and other promising talents from around the world.

To host this Grand Slam event in the Asia-Pacific region, Melbourne has invested 363 million Australian dollars (approximately NT$11 billion) in rebuilding Melbourne Park. Eight new clay courts will be completed just before the 2013 Australian Open and will be used during the tournament. The entire Melbourne Park redevelopment project is scheduled for completion in 2015, when a new pedestrian bridge built over Olympic Boulevard will directly connect Melbourne Arena, Rod Laver Arena, and Margaret Court Arena. Spectators will also be able to watch top players warm up from newly constructed grandstands overlooking key practice courts before the matches begin.

Families visiting Melbourne to watch the tournament will also enjoy another highlight of the 2013 Australian Open. Children can practice tennis at the public courts in the Melbourne Language Centre located at Garden Square and Court 4, guided by professional coaches. Parents can bring their kids to the fan zone at the Melbourne Language Centre, where activities such as Illuminated Courts, Spotlight Central, and Tennis Tornado await—offering fun for the whole family amid the excitement of the intense matches.

 

In addition to the Australian Open, Melbourne hosts a series of summer sports events, including the Vodafone Boxing Day Test from December 26 to 30, 2012, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from March 14 to 17, 2013, and the British & Irish Lions Hockey Tour in June and July 2013, which is expected to attract 30,000 fans to Melbourne.

 

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