MELBOURNE, January 31, 2021 (Press Release)

The biggest ever lead-in week to the Australian Open officially kicked off at Melbourne Park today, with two WTA 500 events – the Yarra Valley Classic and Gippsland Trophy – launching the Melbourne Summer Series. 

Tomorrow Serena Williams takes on Melbourne local Daria Gavrilova in the second round of the Yarra Valley Classic, and world No.2 Simona Halep will play Russia’s Anastasia Potapova in the Gippsland Trophy.

Melbourne Summer Series – Monday schedule pic.twitter.com/4tyvs8Yw2C

— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) January 31, 2021

The men will also be in action, with an all-Aussie match-up between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Alex Bolt as the ATP 250 Murray River Open commences, while two-time Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson will take on world No.16 Feliciano Lopez in the Great Ocean Road Open.

Six events will be played at Melbourne Park in eight days, with a total of 388 matches, including a record 98 matches to be played this Wednesday.

The Melbourne Summer Series events have been named to showcase key regions of Victoria to promote the reinvigoration of the state following the challenges of 2020, including the devastating bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

AO lead week in fast facts

• 388 matches for the week – WTA / ATP match record for Melbourne Park
• 98 matches on Wednesday
• 16 match courts
• 250 players across six events
• More than $2.3 million in prize money on offer

The MCA Zone at Melbourne Park will host Melbourne Summer Series events from 31 January to 7 February 2021. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster with prices starting at $20 for adults and $5 for kids. 

Melbourne Summer Series draws and fast facts

The ATP Cup will be played alongside the Melbourne Summer Series at the Rod Laver Arena Zone and John Cain Arena Zone from 2-6 February at Melbourne Park.