Tiley unfazed by Aus Open schedule criticism
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Australian Open organisers will not be changing the schedule this year to avoid matches finishing late into the night.
Last year's third round match between Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis did not wrap up until 4:00am, after previous games ran over time.
Tournament director Craig Tiley says it was a freak situation.
"What people don't realise is we really had no other option," he said at this morning's launch in Melbourne.
"The referee makes the final decision on the integrity of the schedule, which we upheld and we maintained. We're moving on.
"We'll continue to put the players in an environment that gives them the best opportunity to compete."
Tiley is also confident that Lleyton Hewitt, will make an impact on this year's tournament.
Hewitt has struggled this year with injury, which has seen his world ranking drop to 67.
But Tiley said he believes the former world number one's form will return after he recovers from recent surgery.
"He's back on track and he's expected to be at his best," he said.
"I know Lleyton personally is one of my favourites and I think we will see him ready to compete and have a great Australian Open."
Tiley also announced an increase in prize money for the tournament.
