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Australian Open organisers have chosen not to stage any events marking Australia Day as they seek to avoid conflict over the under-fire national holiday.
While the tournament held a First Nations Day last week and will hold a Pride Day this Friday, January 26 won't get the same treatment because the occasion has become a magnet for controversy as a growing number of Australians believe the date should be changed.
Instead of marking the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney in 1788, the Open will instead celebrate the women's game, according to a statement from Tennis Australia.
'We are mindful there are differing views, and at the Australian Open we are inclusive and respectful of all,' the governing body said.
Patriotic Aussie fans (pictured cheering on Alexei Popyrin at the Open last week) won't be able to attend any Australia Day events at Melbourne Park on January 26
Tennis Australia (CEO Craig Tiley is pictured right with Indigenous icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley, left) is refusing to mark the national holiday because it's become too divisive
'We acknowledge the historical significance and deep spiritual connection our First Peoples have to this land, and recognise this with a Welcome to Country on stadium screens prior to both the day and night session daily.'
In addition to the Pride Day, the Australian Open also held the Glam Slam, which saw 180 competitors play in the only LGBTQ tournament played as part of a grand slam.
The Open's stance on Australia Day comes as Aussie athletes rail against the national holiday.
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