The Australian Open gets underway from 13th-26th January. The first of tennis’ four Grand-Slams, The Aussie Open has increased in statute over the years, so much so that our very own Wimbledon hero, and dour Scot, Andy Murray will be hoping to bag another victory.
Held on the hard court surfaces of Melbourne Park, the top players in the men’s and women’s game will most likely have to deal with the souring temperatures of the Aussie summer. During the 2012 event, one player actually melted in the mid-day sun leaving behind nothing but a pair of white shorts and a sweat band (ok maybe not – but with temperatures reaching a staggering 40C at times, it is going to be tough). This maybe goes someway to explaining the 160,000 ice creams, and 37,000 BBQ sausages, consumed during the fortnight.
Serbian Novak Djokovic collected the trophy in the 2013 event and will be hoping to make it four in a row this time around. But with 99 of the top 100 ranked players taking part, including Spanish juggernaut Nadal, uber-cool Federer, and Murray, he will be facing stiff competition.
In the Women’s event, Victoria Azarenka is seeking a third Aussie Open title in a row. Her aggressive style makes her a dangerous opponent on the hard surface, but Serena Williams – current world number one in both tennis and on-court grunting – is in ominous form.
All in all, for two weeks in January the Australian Open is sure to serve up its fair share of intensity, heat-exhaustion, sublime skill and matchwinning shots, and is the perfect way to begin the sporting year.
By Alastair Davidson
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