As the world’s best tennis players battle for Grand Slam glory at Melbourne Park each summer, it is not uncommon to spot Australia’s top athletes cheering from the stands.
The Australian Open really is the hottest ticket in town and champions from other sporting codes love being part of the action too.
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So, what do Australia’s star athletes love about the AO?
We asked the following sporting stars to tell us what they enjoy most.
Steve Smith, cricket superstar: “The best part of the Australian Open is watching the professional tennis players figure out different ways to go about playing their opponents. It’s a really mental game and if you’re mentally off, a match can turn so quickly. The top players are just so mentally strong.”
Mason Cox, AFL premiership ruckman: “The best part of the Australian Open is the atmosphere! It’s the biggest event in Melbourne, which is pretty cool. Every day there seems like there is something new going on. There’s entertainment, good vibes, people are always enjoying themselves whether they’re watching in the stadiums or watching on the big screens outside. It’s just a great, great experience for all. It’s an event I love going to every single year. I highly recommend that everyone, if they can, should go along.”
Giaan Rooney, Olympic swimming gold medallist: “The best part of the Australian Open is the feeling of excitement, anticipation, and awe that you are witnessing the best tennis players on the planet perform at a tennis tournament they genuinely love coming to.”
Harry Garside, Olympic boxer: “The best part of the Australian Open is it’s in my home state every year, meaning I’m only a little trip away from the tennis and enjoying the atmosphere of the tournament. Being so close to the action also gives me the utmost respect for how gruelling and tough the sport of tennis is. It is amazing to see the intensity the players bring to every point and rally.”
Moana Hope, former AFLW player: “The best part of the Australian Open is the atmosphere and being there in summer enjoying watching amazing athletes work. It’s a place for everyone to go and you get to watch some of the best athletes in the world.”
Emily Seebohm, three-time Olympic swimming gold medallist: “The best part of the Australian Open is watching the greatest tennis players from all around the world come fight it out on Australian soil.”