Since the Australian Open is held in the middle of summer, matches will sometimes be canceled due to extreme heat. That has not stopped fans from attending, however, since the 2010 tournament had an attendance that was over 650,000. This is certainly a world away from the humble early 20th century origins that the event had.

The Lawn Tennis Association of Australia, which is now known as Tennis Australia, organized the first Australian Open even in 1905. It was held in Melbourne at the Warehouseman’s Cricket Ground. The most recent events have been played on the Prestige version of the Plexicushion material formula.

Some people, however, felt this wasn’t the best idea since the US Open uses a similar surface called DecoTurf. It must not have done too much to dampen the spirits of the tournament, however, since the most recent prizes have totaled up to $25 million in Australian funds.

Interestingly, the Australian Open became open to professionals a year later than the other three. Since the tournament opened in 1969, the record of the most men’s singles titles is tied at four by Roger Federer and Andre Agassi. No one has been able to win more than two of these consecutively since the beginning of the modern era. The twins Bob and Mike Bryan have taken home five double’s titles, three of which were consecutive. In the women’s department, Martina Navratilova has taken home a shocking eight women’s doubles titles, and Serena Williams lays claim to five. To illustrate just how differently the tournament’s competition was before becoming open, Margaret Court took home seven women’s titles consecutively between 1960 and 1966.

Just as there have been a wide variety of records set and broken at the Australian Open, there have been a wide variety of ages that match to those records. Take for example Mirjana Lucic, who won the women’s doubles at age 15. This is in sharp contrast to Martina Navratilova’s mixed doubles title at age 46. Norman Brookes was also 46 when he took a men’s doubles title before the modern era. This tournament has clearly pushed the abilities of every individual involved in it, and shall continue to do so for years to come.

Historians believe that tennis originated in France, so it only makes sense that the French Open has the widest coverage among tennis events. It is considered to be one of the finest events in the entire sport, and few would question the superiority of the event when it comes to other clay court tournaments.

Formally referred to as Les internationaux de France de Roland-Garros, the French Open is probably the most physically demanding of any competition.

The slow surface, though, is not the only thing that makes the contest so incredibly difficult. The five-set matches in the men’s singles department are grueling, and this part of the event has no tiebreak in the final set. It is an affair that will put even the finest athletes through their paces, and make them prove that they are ready to truly hit the big time.

The clay courts truly define the French Open, and give the ball a slow characteristic. On top of this, the courts have a great deal of bounce. Many serve and volley players do not enjoy playing under these conditions, and those who try to pull off big serves might very well be disappointed. Players like Venus Williams and Boris Becker may very well have won multiple events in the Grand Slam series, but their fast styles are not well suited to the courts used in the French Open. Interestingly, Andy Roddick has one of the fastest serves in history, yet he never moved beyond the fourth round in the French Open. This illustrates the level to which the material used as a surface shapes the event’s identity.

Nevertheless, players like Ivan Lendl and Bjorn Borg have found their styles to be well matched to the competition. A few players, like Borg, Agassi and Nadal, have won Wimbledon as well as the French Open. Owing to the difference in grass courts and the clay ones used at the French Open, this is actually a particularly difficult task. However, without this level of difficulty, the tournament would surely not be as esteemed as it is by both commentators and fans.

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Youtek Rackets: Brings Out the Best in You!

November 26, 2011

Youtek rackets use the latest advances in technology and the solid construction of Head brand rackets to bring out your best game! Head Youtek Prestige Mid Plus Tennis Racquet Racket 4 1/2 Grip US $69.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jan-19-2012 9:04:02 PST Add to watch list Head YouTek Prestige Mid Tennis Racquet Racket (93 [...]

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Yonex Racquets: Rule the Courts

November 25, 2011

Are you ready to rule the courts? If so, then check out these Yonex tennis rackets to help you command the courts! Yonex NanoSpeed RQS-Beautiful Professional Tennis Racket-Mint/Unused US $116.76 End Date: Saturday Jan-21-2012 15:51:06 PST Add to watch list Yonex Rexking-70 (Rare Tennis Rackets) US $45.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Jan-16-2012 14:46:17 PST [...]

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Wimbeldon: Tennis and Tradition Together as One

November 19, 2011

Anything with a formal name like “The Championships, Wimbledon” is bound to be steeped in equally formal traditions. Indeed, listing each little ritual that Wimbledon goes through each year would fill several volumes. Take, for example, the fact that fans are fed a steady diet of strawberries and cream while competitors are bound to dress [...]

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Wilson Tennis Rackets

November 15, 2011

Check out these Wilson Tennis Rackets to help take your game to the next level Vintage Wilson Sovereign Tennis Racquet US $8.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jan-19-2012 9:54:47 PST Add to watch list Vintage Tennis Racquet Wood Wooden Wilson Chris Evert MIss Chris Yellow USED US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jan-19-2012 9:40:49 [...]

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The Importance of Smart Practice and a good Tennis Attitude

November 5, 2011

It takes a great deal of practice to be a skilled tennis star. The world’s top players have dedicated their lives to the game, and they clearly have a lot to show for it. However, the way in which practice and play is carried out is equally important. Though it might sound like a didactic [...]

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Get A Grip! Shop Tennis Racket Grips

November 2, 2011

Below is a list of tennis racquet grips to help you maintain consistency throughout your match:   YONEX SUPER GRAP TENNIS GRIP – WHITE US $5.37 End Date: Saturday Feb-11-2012 6:42:02 PST Add to watch list Tennis Grip Enhancer,Badminton,Squash,Cushion Over Rubber Grip US $9.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jan-19-2012 6:36:03 PST Add to watch [...]

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Babolat Rackets: 136 Years of Supplying Champions

November 2, 2011

Own a racket from one of the oldest manufacturers of tennis racquets – Babolat! With over 136 years of skill, expertise and technology behind them Babolat rackets are an excellent way to take your game to the next level Babolat AeroPro Drive GT 100 Tennis Racquet Racket US $56.01 (15 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-17-2012 [...]

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The US Open: a Tournament That’s More Than Tennis

October 25, 2011

While Wimbeldon fans might brag about the age of their tournament, the US Open has a long history of its own and dates back to 1881. Correctly termed the United States Open Tennis Championships, the US Open has something else to brag about. It is currently played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis [...]

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