The Australian Open, which takes place at Melbourne Park, five minutes from downtown Melbourne, has evolved over the past twenty years and established itself at the beginning of the Grand Slam calendar.  It is now a tournament not be missed by players and routinely attracts almost all of the top 100 ranked players.  What distinguishes the Australian Open?  We acknowledge and celebrate what makes the Australian Open such a unique Grand Slam tennis tournament…

•    Well.. it is the FIRST Grand Slam of the year.. and results here set the stage for the others

•    The attitude of the people… the warmth and friendliness feels so genuine… at the tournament and all around Melbourne

•    The heat… or rather the unpredictable Melbourne weather, i.e. “four seasons in a day”

•    Not one, but TWO terrific tennis stadiums with roofs!

•    The flies… the “Australian Salute” is a way to swat away flies… on the tennis court and in the stands… the hotter the day, the more flies…

•    Asian flair… the Australian Open now bills itself as the Grand Slam of Asia Pacific

•    The garden… you can lie on the grass and watch some tennis on the big screen or listen to live music or simply soak up the sun!

•    A place for ball kids to sit and watch the matches on Rod Laver Arena, up close!

•    It is actually still possible to buy tickets to watch the matches… for a reasonable price and even during the tournament itself… won’t be that way forever!

•    It’s been called the “Happy Slam” and one does feel the joy amongst the players and fans… thrilled to be playing and watching exciting live pro tennis again to start off the year!