Tickets for all sessions, all matches, court access, hospitality and memberships all go on sale on October 9^th. for the 2009 Australian Open. Tickets can be purchased though official agencies, by mail or on line, or at the ticket office located on the grounds in Melbourne. The prices have increased over 2008 due in part to the increase in the prize money. The amount of the prize money has yet to be announced. The popular Grounds pass remains at $29, $20 after 5pm, and this coming Open will feature a wide variety of entertainment all of which is included in the Grounds pass.

There will be 25 sessions held in Rod Laver arena, and 10 sessions staged in Hisense arena, plus many matches on the show courts 1,2 and 3. More nighttime matches are schedules for 2009, this has been changed because of popular demand, and also to present more matches during prime time on Television.
A new corporate sponsor for this and future Australian Opens is Lacoste. Already a major sponsor at Roland Garros and the US Open, Lacoste will supply all the clothing for the lines people, officials and ball kids. A new retail store will be open on the grounds that will feature the tennis clothing worn by such players as Andy Roddick, Richard Gasquet and Tatiana Golovin.

Michel Lacoste, Chairman of Lacoste said, “becoming an official sponsor of the Australian Open is part of Lacoste’s global strategy within the Asia Pacific region, and will constitute an extension and reinforcement of the Lacoste brand throughout the area.”

With this new sponsorship can we expect to see the ‘crocodile’ more prominently displayed in the Southern hemisphere, and once and for all dispel the myth that there are no crocodiles in Australia? Maybe Crocodile Dundee will make a come back, or at least wear an official Aussie Open sport shirt with a ‘croc’ displayed prominently on his chest.

Will we also have two new champions crowned at the tournament? If I had to bet, I’d say for sure, on both men’s and women’s sides. Maria Sharapova’s inclusion in the draw is still not an absolute certainty, she will make the determination on her condition in January after an exhibition in Hong Kong. Even if she does play it is beyond any expectation to consider her as repeating her 2008 victory. The men’s competition is just too tough to make a prediction. Can Djokovic repeat as champion? He might be the only player who will come to the tournament in top physical condition. He has reduced his off time in order to be ready, “I won’t have to play myself into shape in the early rounds, it never works for me and is the cause of most early exits from tournaments. I will be ready to play from day one.”

As for the other leading contenders for Djokovic’s crown, Nadal and Federer must both be considered as the main competition, but it will be the start of a new year in tennis and all the Grand Slams will be up for grabs!