Home Sports Global tennis boss wades into speculation the Australian Open could be taken over by China or Saudi Arabia

Global tennis boss wades into speculation the Australian Open could be taken over by China or Saudi Arabia

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ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi wants the Australian Open to stay at Melbourne Park
  • ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi Big Fan of Melbourne Park
  • Agreement in place with the Victorian Government and Tennis Australia
  • Hosting rights secured until 2046 during global pandemic

If the ATP has anything to say, the Australian Open stays in Melbourne for good as the season-opening Grand Slam once again boasts record crowds and bumper television ratings.

Officially marked the Asia Pacific Grand Slam, the Open could be threatened by the likes of China or Saudi Arabia.

Perhaps that’s why the Victorian government and Tennis Australia moved to extend hosting rights for the multi-billion dollar extravaganza until 2046 during the global pandemic.

And if ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi has his way, the Australian Open is ‘absolutely’ taking place at Melbourne Park.

‘The park here is fantastic. The infrastructure is incredible,’ Gaudenzi said.

‘You’ve got the city of Melbourne just a few miles away and the people are great.

ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi wants the Australian Open to stay at Melbourne Park

Officially marked the Asia Pacific Grand Slam, the Open could finally be threatened by China or Saudi Arabia (pictured, Australian star Nick Kyrgios)

Officially marked the Asia Pacific Grand Slam, the Open could finally be threatened by China or Saudi Arabia (pictured, Australian star Nick Kyrgios)

Alex de Minaur carried his nation's hopes into week two at Melbourne Park before bowing out in the quarter-finals

Alex de Minaur carried his nation’s hopes into week two at Melbourne Park before bowing out in the quarter-finals

‘This is a country of tennis. There is a great story here and it is incredible.

‘Together with Paris, London and New York, we have four major infrastructures and cities for Grand Slams.

“I don’t see any reason why we should change that.”

The 2025 Open drew 941,635 fans through the gates during the first 12 days of the so-called ‘happy slam.’

With three days remaining, the tournament is on track to surpass last year’s all-time record of 1,020,763 spectators flooding into Melbourne Park and its massive venue that stretches almost to Federation Square.

Officials reported 10 daily records through the women’s semifinal night on Thursday.

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley previously stated that Melbourne Park needs another major stadium to complement Rod Laver Arena and John Cain Arena, the Australian Open’s two main courts, plus more outside courts.

To do that, he suggested Melbourne Park expand over railway lines into what little green space remains in the city’s tight sporting precinct, adjacent to the rectangular Aami Park stadium.

Melbourne Park is currently leased by Tennis Australia, not owned, with the facility’s governance controlled.

Previously, the Australian Open was played on grass courts at Kooyong before the tournament It was moved to the hard courts at Melbourne Park in 1988.

(Tagstotranslate) DailyMail (T) Sport (T) Tennis (T) China (T) Saudi Arabia

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