Australian Open Looks To Improve On Last Year's Record Crowds

Play is under way at the Australian Open in Melbourne, where tournament organizers are "aiming to surpass" last year's record attendance of 720,363. There are some "notable absentees: Juan Martín del Potro in the men’s tournament; Madison Keys, Victoria Azarenka, Petra Kvitova and the still-suspended Maria Sharapova in the women’s event." But there are "plenty of stars to populate the main show courts under their retractable roofs" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/16). Early matches included Australian-born Nick Kyrgios' "first match at an official tournament since he was suspended for his Shanghai meltdown" (SMH.com.au, 1/16).

Meanwhile, the N.Y. TIMES' Christopher Clarey shares his "Wish List" for tennis in '17.