The City of Melbourne will again play host to the first Grand Slam event of the tennis calendar, the 2008 Australian Open tennis tournament.
From 14 – 27 January all the top ranked players in world tennis will pit their skills and temperaments against each other for one of the foremost prizes of the game – a Grand Slam victory.
January 28, 2008, 10:34 am
January 25, 2008, 2:44 pm
January 25, 2008, 2:44 pm
Only the most tenacious and physically fit players will succeed – the Australian Open is notorious for uncomfortably hot playing conditions, and organisers have had to institute an Extreme Heat Policy to regulate when conditions are not viable for international competition.
In an effort to combat the effects of Melbourne's extreme weather, a retractable roof was constructed over the centre court, known as the Rod Laver Arena since the year 2000. It has proved to be an enormous success, so much so that the All England Club will soon follow suit. In the case of Wimbledon however, it will not be to protect the players from extreme heat, but from the incessant rain that has troubled the Championships for so long.
What will make the 2008 event all the more thrilling is that a new surface called 'Plexicushion' will replace the former Rebound Ace. Defending champion and current World number 1, Roger Federer, has given the new surfaces a 'thumbs up' and has indicated that he is really eager to defend his title at Melbourne.
"Once again, I am very excited to start the new year's Grand Slam season in Australia and to try and defend my title once again,'' Federer said. "I am looking forward to the new surface and especially playing in front of the Australian fans … they are some of the best fans in the world!"
Should Federer be successful yet again at the Rod Laver Arena, he will have claimed his 13th Grand Slam singles title, one up on the great Roy Emerson.
In the women's event, defending champion, Serena Williams, will be hoping that her injury woes are a thing of the past. It will be a lot more difficult for all the female contenders though, as the current world number one, Justine Henin, is expected to attend the Melbourne event. She missed out in 2007 due to injury.
The main draw for the tournament will be released on Friday 11 January, and the qualifying draws for the men's and women's singles will be available from 7 January 2008.
Tennis Australia has recently announced that the wildcard play-off will take place from 15 to 21 December at Melbourne Park, and two of the most talented Australian tennis players will be vying for a place in the tournament - Mark Philippoussis and Jelena Dokic.
The 2008 Australian Open tennis tournament promises to be an event of epic proportions – not only is the purse an astonishing AUS$20 000 000, but over 570 000 spectators are expected to attend the first Grand Slam of the year.
If you'd like to have a bet on the Australian Open 2008, then take a look at the tennis betting odds from William Hill.
