Melbourne VIC, Australia, 10 October 2016 | ausopen.com

The Australian Open and the Melbourne CBD have just become even closer … literally.

Australian Open 2017 was officially launched on Monday morning at the entry to Tanderrum Bridge, which will provide a seamless link from Birrarung Marr to Melbourne Park.

“It’s the next step in an amazingly clever piece of construction work that effectively turns the focal entry or front of the site from the river to the city,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.

“This project capitalises on one of the major assets of this event – its close connection to the Melbourne CBD. The Victorian Government and the many, many people who have worked on the redevelopment project deserve enormous credit.”

The new entry point was one of many initiatives announced for AO 2017. Others include:

• A $5 ticket for kids as part of an increased family focus, including a new kids zone, The Ballpark
• The biggest in-bound tourism push in the event’s history including major event launches in China, Japan and Singapore
• An expanded entertainment offering including a free opening weekend concert series at Birrarung Marr
• The most comprehensive broadcast and digital coverage of any Australian Open
• The biggest, best and broadest dining range the event has offered
• A new-look Grand Slam Oval themed to reflect Paris, London, New York and Melbourne
• The establishment of a Tennis Australia Integrity Unit with capabilities in monitoring, investigation, analysis and education.

Tiley said the first Grand Slam of the season was shaping as one of the most intriguing and competitive in years.

“On the men’s side we have a young fresh group of incredibly talented players continuing to surge but they are effectively driving the established superstars to even greater heights – it will be fascinating to see who gives ground,” he said.

“Throw in Roger Federer’s comeback and you have a potent mix for some great tennis.

“In January, Angie Kerber made the world sit up and take notice and she has well and truly backed that up since.

“But does anyone seriously believe Serena won’t come to Melbourne hell bent on winning another AO?

“And there is a growing crop of outstanding challengers who could provide us with another first-time Slam winner.”

Event organisers are aiming to break the 2016 attendance record of 720,363 and continue to grow the economic benefit for the Victorian economy, which was $278.1 million this year.

Australian Open 2017, presented by Kia Motors in association with ANZ, Jacob’s Creek and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park from 16-29 January.

Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena multi-session tickets are now on sale at ticketek.com.au.

Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena single session tickets and Australian Open ground passes, which allow access to Hisense Arena, go on sale on Tuesday 11 October, 2016.

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