Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tennis
The last two weeks of January is tennis time in Melbourne, when the city hosts the Aus-
tralian Open (
www.australianopen.com
) championships. The world's best come to compete
at Melbourne Park in the year's first of the big four Grand Slam tournaments. With daily
attendance figures breaking world records - well over half a million people come through
the turnstiles over the two weeks - a carnival atmosphere prevails. Visitors come from
around the world to attend, but it's also a favourite with locals, who make the most of sum-
mer holiday leave or amble over to East Melbourne after work. While the entertainment
and a few glasses of sparkling wine in the sun are a big part of the draw, there's a hushed
respect during matches on centre court. Tensions off the court between ultra-nationalistic
fans have erupted in the past, but the most disruptive element is usually the elements them-
selves - the chance of at least one 40°C scorcher of a day is high.
