Melbourne Sports & Outdoors Tips by leffe3 Top 5 Page for this destination

AAMI Kooyong Classic (Tennis)

The former home to the Australian Open, Kooyong developed the Kooyong Classic as a result of losing the star-studded big event to the tennis centre a couple of miles away.

It makes sense - it's a round robin event tournament featuring 8 top male players, seen as the perfect warm-up to the Open. Taking place in 2010, 13-16 January are the dates, and signed-up players to date include Djokovic, Tsonga and Verdasco.

It's an exhibition tournament, and winning doesn't gain ranking points, so the competitive edge may be missing, but nevertheless, with a great atmosphere and supportive crowd, the relaxed environment is a perfect warm-up for the players for the Open.

Two games per session also ensure that you're likely to get two great games - particularly on the finals day. In 2009, we were lucky enough to see Federer beat Wawrinka in the final and Verdasco vs Gonzalez play-off for 3rd and 4th. Year before that - Roddick beat Baghdatis in the final, Safin beat Gonzalez.

And 2010 - Verdasco beat Tsonga in the final, with Australian kid Tomic defeating Djokovic for 3rd/4th play off

Other than Federer (X2), Roddick (X3), past winners include Agassi (X3), Sampras, Chang (X3) and Nalbandian - giving an indication of the level the tournament attracts constantly.

And a big attraction with Kooyong - way cheaper than the Open to ensure seeing top seeded players play each other. $A55 for uncovered seats, $A85 for covered seats on finals day ($A45 or $A75 on non-final days).

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.aamiclassic.com.au/index.php

Australian Open Tennis

Its one of the 4 Tennis Grand Slams - that should be enough to recommend it! Consequently it attracts all the top players from around the world. Its also the first of the year, taking place at the Rod Laver Arena in January every year (tickets go on sale in October).

Like most major tennis tournaments around the world, tickets are purchased by sessions - afternoon or evening.
Afternoon tickets are for access for outside courts throughout the day and night. Evening tickets are for the two main arenas (reserved seating) and are for 2 games, but also provide access to any outside court after 5pm.

In real terms, evening tickets result in less matches (fewer matches on the outside courts as the day progresses) , but will have guaranteed seeded players.

Atmosphere is electric, whether inside the main arenas at night, daytime outside courts or watching the centre court match on the huge video screen in the beer gardens.

Ticket prices vary - from $A49 (first couple of days) - $A300 for men's final.

Equipment: Its pretty exposed, so be careful of sun stroke! take public transport - its on the edge of the CBD and so VERY easy to get to.

Address: Rod Laver Areana, Olympic Park

Theme: Other