Australian Open 2009: Remembered

Today might be the finish line for those millions of creative minds behind Australian Open making this event a jumpstart big success of 2009. No matter how the whole world cries because their favorite bets lose, Australian Open 2009 still rocks! With their plexicushion hardcourts in blue, this event was truly the biggest stage in the world. For the record and this data came from their Official website, "official tournament attendance of 603,160 in 2009"

The most memorable match was probably the Verdasco-Nadal semi epic battle for men's singles. Five hours and fourteen minutes of running, volleying, breaking points, mental breakouts and screaming egos was a no joke at all. Verdasco was the underdog in this match, losing only one point to Nadal in 385 points played.

The biggest upset was, of course, Ana Ivanovic. Fearless forecasts in ESPN mostly predict an early exit performance for this 2008 Roland Garros Champion and it might not be a big shock in the world that Ivanovic was sent packing after third round match with Alysa Kleybanova. But you know what, the day Ivanovic was upset by Kleybanova in Hisense Arena on the 23rd of January was one of the highest ever day/night attendance in Grand Slam history. Most probably, Dokic-Wozniacki, where Australian favorite Dokic eventually won the second and third set in Rod Laver created the loudest buzz of all.

The following day, January 24th, was also a jampacked for the Australian Open Organizers. Some memorable headlines transpired on the days were: In-form Azarenka downs Mauresmo, Bondarenko no bother for Jie Zheng, Simon says hello to fourth round, Lucky 13 for Elena and Gonzalez back from the dead.

For the complete interesting figures and statistics about the big success of Australian Open 2009, apart from Serena Williams winning her Tenth Grand Slam and Rafael Nadal on his first hardcourt win, I suggest you to read The Final Word written by Tennis Australia.

After reading the article, you'll surely realize Australian Open is an annual event that's worth saving money for your next trip. But don't forget to bring umbrella and cold beverages, the weather is literally hot!

Photos courtesy of
www.sporttours.com.au
http://cowbell.typepad.com/forty_deuce