Global stars compete for $900 million prize as the 2013 Australian Open kicks off on January 14 next year

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

 

Melbourne, twice named the "world's most livable city," is gearing up for its annual sporting spectacle—the 2013 Australian Open. The tournament will take place from January 14 to 27, 2013, at Melbourne Park, with a total prize pool of 30 million Australian dollars (approximately NT$914 million). This lucrative purse will draw elite players from across the globe. The Australian Open is the biggest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere each year, attracting a global TV audience of 240 million. In 2012, over 686,006 fans attended the tournament in person, including 29,883 international visitors. The 2013 event is expected to see even higher attendance.

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 (approximately NT$121.9 million) compared to last year. This attractive purse has drawn the world’s top players to compete. Men’s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic will defend his title in a tough battle, facing challenges from legends like Roger Federer, 2012 US Open champion Andy Murray, and 2012 Australian Open runner-up Rafael Nadal. On the women’s side, defending champion Victoria Azarenka will contend with Serena Williams (Little Mo), Maria Sharapova, Chinese star Li Na, local favorite Samantha Stosur, Czech rising star Lucie Šafářová, and other talented players from around the world.

Melbourne has invested 363 million Australian dollars (approximately NT$11 billion) to rebuild Melbourne Park for this premier Asia-Pacific Grand Slam event. 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 set to be completed by 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 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 in Garden Square and Court 4, guided by professional coaches. Parents can also bring their kids to the fan zone at the Melbourne Language Centre, where activities like Stadium Lights, Spotlight Central, and Tennis Tornado will provide fun for the whole family amid the excitement of the matches.

 

Beyond 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 Australia Tour in June and July 2013, which is expected to attract 30,000 fans to Melbourne.

 

● Read more: Planning an Overseas Trip for Chinese New Year (Part 2): Smart Choices for Island, Europe, and America Tours

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