SuperSport viewers on DStv can look forward to world-class tennis action, with the 2020 Australian Open live from January 20 to February 2.
The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year and a major event on both the ATP Tour (Men’s) and WTA Tour (Women’s). It will be held at Melbourne Park and features all the best players in the world of tennis, including defending singles’ champions Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka.
SuperSport viewers will have two feeds to choose from at the Australian Open, with coverage of both the Day and Night Sessions for the busy opening week of the tournament, before more specific coverage begins with the Men’s Quarterfinals from Tuesday January 28.
The massive and tragic bushfires in Australia in recent weeks have cast a shadow over the tournament, with organisers worried about the potential of poor air quality. Yet Melbourne Park has the facilities to play all or most of the games indoor, quelling the danger of delays or cancellations.
On the Men’s side, defending champion and seven-time winner of the Australian Open Novak Djokovic starts as one of the key players to watch, though he insists there are no favourites for the 2020 edition.
“I think it’s really open, the Australian Open or any other slam,” explained Djokovic.“I don’t think there are really clear favourites. You have obviously (Roger) Federer, (Rafael) Nadal, myself because of the experience and everything and the rankings that we get to be probably named the top three favourites. But then you have (Daniil) Medvedev, (Stefanos) Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem that are really showing some amazing tennis.”
Australian fans will be hoping that local favourite Ashleigh Barty can triumph in Melbourne, with the 23-year-old entering the Australian Open as the top-ranked Women’s player in the world.
“Having a number next to your name doesn’t guarantee anything. You have to go and do the work and try to do your best in every match,” explained Barty. “That’s how I want to approach the rest of my career. I won’t change anything no matter what my ranking. I won’t be more or less hungry to be the best that I can be. I pride myself on my fighting qualities.”
Don’t miss the best tennis action on DStv. Visit www.dstv.com to subscribe or upgrade, and join in on the excitement. And while you’re on the move, you can stream matches on DStv Now.
