Australian Open

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Competition, like in all Grand Slam tournaments (French Open, Wimbledon, United States Open), is held in men’s and women’s singles, men’s, women’s and mixed doubles, junior’s and master’s divisions.

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The Australian Open was first held in 1905 and was known as the Australian Championships and was open to top amateur players. The name was changed to the Australian Open in 1968.

The Open was held in December from 1977 through 1985. It returned to its original January date in 1987. No tournament was held in 1986 because of the date change.

The two main courts at Melbourne Park, Rod Laver Arena and Vodafone Arena, both feature a roof that can be shut in inclement or extreme weather. It is the only Grand Slam tournament that can hold indoor play.

Over 500 players competed in the 2007 Australian Open that had a total purse of (AUD) $20 million. Both the men’s and the women’s singles winner earned (AUD) $1,281,000. The tournament drew 554,858 spectators.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer defeated Chile’s Fernando Gonzales to win the 2007 men’s championship and the United States’ Serena Williams beat Russia’s Maria Sharapova to claim the women’s crown.

Federer also won in 2006 and 2004. Andre Agassi has four titles since 1995 – 2003, 2001, 2000 and 1995. Other recent men’s champions include: Marat Safin, 2005; Thomas Johansson, 2002; Yevgeny Kafelnikov, 1999; Petr Korda, 1998, Pete Sampras, 1997 and Boris Becker, 1996.

Williams has won women’s championships on three occasions. In addition to 2007, she won in 2005 and 2003. Martina Hingis won three consecutive Open titles – 1999, 1998 and 1997 and Jennifer Capriati has two – 2002 and 2001. Other recent winners include: Amelie Mauresmo, 2006; Justine Henin, 2004; Lindsay Davenport, 2000; Monica Seles, 1996 and Mary Pierce, 1995.

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