Incredible turn out to yesterday’s Australian Open qualifying, drew quite a reaction online
Blown away by the crowd on the first unofficial week of the Australian Open despite the tournament proper starting on Sunday. Huge turnout to watch Novak in a hitout at lunchtime today.
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Well done to the Aussies so far at The Drive:
Kokkinakis, Hijikata & Vukic and Kasatkina, Tomljanovic Joint, Birrell.
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It wasn’t done in anger, just tongue in cheek with a smile.
I thought it was OK.
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Exactly. It’s a hit and giggle tonight, just a fun, light hearted exhibition event, for charity. Good to see big players and famous faces in an environment like this for a change. It’s not amazing and could definitely do with some tweaks.
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Agree, as a once a year thing it’s fine, with some different faces each year. Just not Karl Stefanovic every year please.
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Jordan Smith from Castle Hill, NSW! Let’s go 
Unbelievable. Could take home $1m!
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I thought it was for charity? Or is it only if a pro wins?
It’s for charity only if they declare they will do so.
Do you believe in miracles? Because he just did it!
Looks like the charity gets $50,000.
$50,000 to the tennis club he represents (Castle Hill)
Kane Cornes’ X post on 1 Point Slam (despite getting 200 likes) is getting roasted in the comments, many disagreeing with his take.
I think tonight you had to stay a bit longer, not just tuning-out after a few points or 15-30min. And as it turned out, definitely.
de Minaur confirmed quarterfinalist?
(Putting aside their typing system in which a lot of c’s become o’s…)
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Alex de Minaur kept his reaction to a minimum at Rod Laver Arena after he was dealt a horror scenario with the Australian Open draw.
De Minaur had just been beaten 6-3, 6-4 in an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz when he was interviewed by Wally Masur on Nine’s coverage.
Alcaraz, the world No.1, is part of that fixture list and stands in de Minaur’s way if he can make the quarter finals.
While the continuing de Minaur draw hoodoo will hog the headlines, fellow Aussie star Thanasi Kokkinakis added to the disappointment after withdrawing from the men’s singles draw as he continues to battle injury concerns.
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I honestly think a lot of people assumed the Australian Open had already started this week. Someone I know was planning to go today under the impression the main draw was underway. You would also have some people still on their Christmas break, so this week might be a goody chance to head in before work goes back.
It’ll be interesting to see whether this early spike in attendance carries through into the main two weeks, or whether it just spreads the crowd more across the full three‑week window.
On the prime‑time matches during qualifying week, I have mixed feelings on them and whether some if it is just oversaturating with unnecessary filler. I thought the One Point Slam worked well as a fun lead‑in, but the Alcaraz vs De Minaur exhibition last night felt like pointless filler. Personally, I’d rather the lead‑up weeks keep the focus on the actual pre‑AO tournaments instead of trying to overshadow them with made for TV extras. The One Point Slam I would keep as a one‑off novelty during qualifying, but everything else (especially primetime exhibition matches) are just oversaturation and feel like cheap ratings and money grabs.
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What a semi in Adelaide, terrific contest! Humbert got it done in a 3rd set Breaker against the top seeded Spanish player Davidovich.
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Mirra Andreeva and Tomas Machac are the women’s and men’s champions of this year’s Adelaide International.
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Like myself, I reckon many would’ve thought it was on tonight (like previous years). But good to see it and the inaugural AO OC didn’t end up clashing/ fighting for audience. Luckily I stumbled upon the later stages this afternoon too.