Australian Open, A Stage Where Tennis Legends Are Made
The Australian Open, one of the four tennis tournaments which have Grand Slam status
is without a doubt one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Currently held at Melbourne Park in January, the event was first contested in 1905. 1987 was the last year that the tournament was conducted on grass courts; since then it has been contested on hard courts.The Australian Open lays claim to a varied and tumultuous history. Initially it was called 'The Australasian Championships' and later 'The Australian Championships' before it was given its current name in 1969. In its early years it had the disadvantage of being located in a somewhat remote part of the globe, in a world without today's transport conveniences. However it soon established itself as one of the world's premier tennis tournaments. Interestingly over the years the Australian Open has been conducted in no less than five Australian and a couple of New Zealand cities before being given a permanent venue in Melbourne.
There are several players who have established their status to be counted amongst the legends of the Australian Open. In the men's game Ken Rosewall who was counted as one of the world's top players from the 1950s to the early 1970s won the Australian Open at the age of 18. Roy Emerson another early champion set the Grand Slam record of 28 titles, including singles and doubles.
Rod Laver another Australian Open champion is noted for having won the Grand Slam (all 4 Grand Slam tournaments in a year) twice.
In more recent years players like Mats Wilander and Andre Agassi dominated the Australian Open with the latter having lifted the singles crown four times. Today players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal compete for supremacy in the tournament.
In the women's game Nancye Bolton and Margaret Smith Court dominated the early years of the Australian Open. More recently Steffi Graf established herself as a potent force in women's tennis, winning four Australian Opens. Martina Hingis who was forced to retire from the game prematurely is also counted amongst the Australian open elite, having taken four Australian Open titles.
Visitors to the city seeking a fine Melbourne hotel with exceptional Melbourne restaurants would do well to select The Langham Melbourne as their choice of accommodation. This superb hotel offers all the comforts and facilities needed for a pleasant stay.
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