Australian Open 2015 Live Stream: When and Where to Watch Online
The 2015 Australian Open will be the ultimate test of will for American tennis followers.
With the morning coming in Melbourne around the same time as dusk and the start of nighttime in the U.S., live action from the year's first Grand Slam will take place late into the night—and early into the morning. On top of that, the most high-profile matchups won't come on until the late afternoon Down Under, which will leave those stateside pulling all-nighters to catch the best action.
As Stan Wawrinka looks to hold off the Big Four for a quest at the repeat and Serena Williams tries to break through and win her sixth Australian Open, you won't want to miss out on anything just because it's a little bit past your bedtime.
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To help out the cause, let's look at how you can catch the action via live stream.
2015 Australian Open Live Stream
Live Stream: WatchESPN and Tennis Channel.
Note: Australian Open coverage will air on both Tennis Channel and ESPN. You can view ESPN's television schedule here and Tennis Channel's here.
2015 Australian Open Preview
Having not seen most of the world's best in Grand Slam action for nearly six months, the Australian Open always acts as somewhat of a precursor to the new year of tennis.
Sure, some of the biggest names in tennis have been competing in ATP events and tune-up tournaments over the last few months; however, nothing compares to the bright lights of a Grand Slam, and we should find out exactly where the top contenders stand entering 2015.
| 1 | Novak Djokovic |
| 2 | Roger Federer |
| 3 | Rafael Nadal |
| 4 | Stan Wawrinka |
| 5 | Kei Nishikori |
| 6 | Andy Murray |
One without much question surrounding him is Novak Djokovic. The Serbian took the top seed in Melbourne after claiming the world No. 1 ranking to close out 2014, and he looks to be the best bet on the men's side.
When it comes to the Australian Open, Djokovic is the guy, having won the event in 2011, 2012 and 2013 before Wawrinka dethroned him in last year's quarterfinals. He'll have to go up against Wawrinka in the semifinals this time around if the two make it that far, according to the Australian Open on Twitter:
As the above tweet noted, things are a bit more crammed on the other half of the men's bracket.
No. 2 Roger Federer will have his hands full to live up to his seeding and make it to the final. Not only does he have third-seeded Rafael Nadal on his half of the draw, but No. 6 Andy Murray also lurks as a potential opponent before facing Djokovic.
Such a tough draw is the least of Federer's worries, as he talked up his recent form, per AFP via The Times of India:
"I think I'm serving more consistent and stronger than I ever have. That's my opinion. I definitely think the (new) racquet has helped me with that as well, a little bit. But, you know, my concentration I do believe is there, better than it's ever been, at least I hope it is, because I feel over time you always want to improve.
"
I think my backhand is working better than it has in the past as well. The question is confidence, forehand, movement.
We may be nearly three years removed from Federer's last Grand Slam title as he continues to chase his 18th, but the Swiss maestro showed with a consistent 2014 season that even if he's not at his old form, he's still among the best contenders on the men's side.
As for the women's draw, you have to start the discussion with Serena Williams.
The 33-year-old only broke through for one Slam title amid a shaky year in 2014 from start to finish, but she still maintains a career of dominance in Melbourne. She has five titles at the Australian Open, the most in the Open era.
Her shakiness has returned, however, as she begins the new year. Amid a couple of early-round defeats and showcases of both frustration and weakness, could we be seeing Williams' typical antics before a moment of greatness or something more worrisome?
"It could be a sign that she is exhausted after two long and successful seasons," The Wall Street Journal's Tom Perrotta said of Williams. "Or jet lag. Or that age—she is 33—is catching up to her. Then again, Williams expertly uses disappointment and frustration as motivation, so this could be fuel for a stellar two weeks at the year’s first Slam."
Williams is almost impossible to beat when she's playing at her best, but that much has been far from a given over the last few weeks and months. Set to face Caroline Wozniacki and Petra Kvitova on her side of the bracket, the American won't be able to afford any mental lapses in Melbourne.
So yes, the action from the Australian Open may keep American tennis fans glued to the television sets long into the morning. But from the sounds of what's in store, you can bet it will be worth the sleep deprivation.
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