In the 1970s, many top players did not even bother showing up for the Australian Open. The country was too remote, the prize money too low, the facilities erratic as the event moved from city to city, and it was held over the Christmas holidays. Yet there is still a lingering sense that the Open could be a little better if only it started a few weeks later. “It’s too early, and I think, for my style of game, I need a little bit of rhythm,” Nadal said. There are a few tournaments in early January, including the ATP Cup in Australia, which the men’s tour just introduced.

Source: New York Times January 19, 2020 15:22 UTC