‘Where the world comes to play’ is the message of Australian Open 2008, and 500 of the world’s top players will compete next year on a new surface and trademarked ‘Australian Open True Blue’ court colour.
The announcement marks the most radical change to the tournament since it moved from grass at Kooyong to Rebound Ace at Melbourne Park 20 years ago.
The first Grand Slam tournament of 2008, staged from January 14–27, will offer A$20.6 million in prize money, with the men’s and women’s singles winners each collecting A$1.37m – seven per cent up on last year.
“As the biggest sporting event in the world in January, we want to set world-class benchmarks for the tournament’s look, feel and function,” Tennis Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Steve Wood, said. “Earlier this year we launched our contemporised Australian Open logo and the change of the on-court colour scheme is a natural progression of this.
“We want players, fans and viewers to have the best tennis experience of the year.’’
Following on from the success of Australian Open 2007, tournament officials are looking to do even better in 2008 by breaking records for Melbourne Park attendance, television and internet viewers, live site attendees and prize money.
“We want this event to be the best, on and off the court,’’ Wood said. “We are striving for a new attendance record and aiming to showcase the tournament to a potential television viewing audience of nearly two billion.’’
Speaking on the new court surface and colour, Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley, said, “The initial player responses, from Roger Federer down, have been positive.’’
“The choice of plexicushion is about ensuring consistency in pace and bounce across all of our courts. The new colour is fresh and ensures greater visibility for players, officials, spectators and television viewers alike.’’
