As the tennis world gears up for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, here are some mind-blowing facts that will leave you saying, “WTF!”
1) Yarra River Splashdown:
After securing his Australian Open Singles titles, Jim Courier celebrated uniquely – he jumped into the Yarra River for a victory swim.
2) Record-breaking Attendances:
The Australian Open holds the record for the highest single-day attendance, with a staggering 93,709 spectators in 2020. In that same year, a total of 812,174 fans flocked to Melbourne, making it the most-attended tennis tournament globally. The revenue generated? A whopping $330 million.
3) Tennis Ball Extravaganza:
Ever wondered how many tennis balls are used? Approximately 40,000 every year, and they don’t go to waste. The tournament sells them for charity at $2 each. The stringers have their hands full, restringing over 5000 racquets using more than 60km of string. Additionally, 50,000 balls are utilized, and 300 ball boy and girl volunteers from around the world keep the game running smoothly.
4) Drought for Aussie Champs:
The last Australian male to clinch the Men’s Singles Title was Mark Edmonson in 1976, while Christine O’Neil was the last Australian female to secure the Women’s Singles Title in 1978.
5) Kia Cruising:
Kia holds the title for the longest-running sponsor of the Australian Open, initiating its deal in 2002 and set to continue until 2023. The AO spectacle is broadcast live in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.
6) Not only Kangaroo, but also Kiwi:
The Australian Open, formerly known as the Australasian Championships, had its early days in New Zealand, being played there in 1906 and 1912. It officially became the Australian Open in 1969.
7) Marathon Match:
In 2012, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal battled it out in the longest-known Australian Open match in Open Era history, lasting an epic 5 hours and 53 minutes.
8) Sukova’s Upset:
One of the most significant upsets occurred in the 1984 ladies’ semi-finals when Helena Sukova ended Martina Navratilova’s 74-match winning streak.
9) Heat Battle:
The Australian Open is played at the peak of the Australian summer, posing a unique challenge for players – extreme heat. In 1988, the Extreme Heat Policy was introduced, allowing the referee to halt the game if the temperature hits 40 degrees Celsius.
10) Rosewall’s Timeless Triumph:
Ken Rosewall holds the unique distinction of being both the youngest and oldest man to win the Australian Open, securing the title at 18 in 1953 and then again at 37 in 1972.
