Australian Open Ratings To Give Channel 7 Major Boost

As Roger Federer "wept his way through the winning moments of this year’s Australian Open, it will be Channel 7’s embattled senior management who would have been crying tears of joy at what the TV gods had just delivered them," according to Holly Byrnes of NEWS CORP. In an "epic five-set final for the ages," Federer’s victory over Rafael Nadal "will be the moral boost, as well as an expected ratings bonanza come Monday." While the official ratings period does not begin until Feb. 12, the "battle began early on Sunday night." The "phenomenal athleticism of these ageing tennis stars was mirrored by their extraordinary sportsmanship, wishing each other the win as the silverware was handed out." Despite not earning survey points toward its own "ratings crown" defense, what Sunday night’s final will give Seven is "extraordinary momentum to take into its first big contests of the year" (NEWS CORP, 1/29).