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Annually initiating the start of the professional tennis season and waking most of us up to the fact that the New Year has truly begun in earnest, the 2019 Australian Open is poised to fully awake.
The opening Grand Slam tournament of the year, the Australian Open was founded in 1905. The tournament will take place from January 14 through 27, 2019.
Now that you are awake, what better way to enjoy the Aussie Open than by going shopping?
Where?
At Serena Williams Website: https://www.serenawilliams.com/collections/merch-store
Serena has always dazzled us with her on court style so it makes perfect sense that she would amaze us with her online tennis store.
This is one of her sexy outfits.
Sold out already, this offering speaks to Serena’s continual and powerful social presence.
As of this Janaury 12, 2019 writing, here are the top ten women on the WTA tour.
- S. Halep …………………………………….6661 points
- A. Kerber……………………………………5875
- C. Wozniacki………………………………5436
- N. Osaka…………………………………….5270
- S. Stephens………………………………..5023
- E. Svitolina………………………………..4940
- K. Pliskova…………………………………4750
- P. Kvitova………………………………….4630
- K. Bertens………………………………….4360
- D. Kasatkina………………………………3415
The WTA has sure come a long way. We desire a history lesson.
Visiting their informative site at wtatennis.com they share, “Billie Jean King and her group of eight other renegades were revolutionary by 1970s standards. A full two years ahead of the passage of Title IX in the United States, they envisioned a better future for women’s tennis.
In September 1970, the birth of women’s professional tennis was launched when nine players signed $1 contracts with World Tennis publisher Gladys Heldman to compete in a new women’s tour, the Virginia Slims Series. The Original 9, as they were called, included Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon, Judy Dalton, Valerie Ziegenfuss and Julie Heldman.
Heldman, along with her friend Joe Cullman from Philip Morris and several others, provided women’s professional tennis the opportunity the Original 9 and so many others sought. The inaugural $7,500 Virginia Slims of Houston was established on September 23, 1970 and it was the event that became the groundbreaker for all others.”
Fascinating. This information certainly makes the women’s tour feel richer.
And about Serena. Not only is she a fashion trend setter but the WTA reminds us of how she set the tennis world on fire. Regarding her 2017 accomplishment they add, “The 2017 season started with a record-setting performance as Serena Williams won her 23rd career Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, setting the Open Era record for most Grand Slam singles titles.”
Congrats Serena!
So where did this concept of Grand Slams start?
Australia of course.
At the official Australian Open site they take us down memory lane. “The term ‘Grand Slam’ dates back to 1933 when Australia’s Jack Crawford won the Australian, French and Wimbledon Championships and reached the final of the US Championships against the British player Fred Perry. On the eve of the final, John Kieran, a keen bridge player, wrote in the New York Times that “If Crawford beats Perry today, it would be something like scoring a Grand Slam on the courts, doubled and vulnerable.” Crawford led two sets to love, but tired and lost in five sets. Perry went on to become the first player to win the four titles, but not in the same calendar year.”
Interesting origins for sure.
So who is going to win on the women’s side in 2019?
To answer that question, isn’t that why we always watch?
What might add to your Australian Open experience, even as you watch this grand and very warm (temperature wise) tournament comfortably from your home, is knowing a little more about Melbourne, Australia where the tournament takes place.
We have a visiting writer with some experience and insights willing to share.
Melbourne: Australia’s Cultural and Sporting Capital
By Jeff Molenda
Melbourne is the official capital of Victoria. It is also the second most crowded metropolitan area in Australia. The city is popular for its extensive tram stations, modern architecture, and impressive Victorian gardens. Aside from various tourist attractions, Melbourne also features major cultural and sporting activities all year round. Tourists will find a number of places to visit, and activities to do in this interesting and vibrant city.
Culture and Arts Festival
Next to Edinburgh, Melbourne has gained the recognition of being a City of Literature and culture. The city offers different events that feature the city’s exemplary literature, music, art, television, and film. Locals and foreigners can take part in various cultural activities and festivals held each year. There are also numerous cultural institutions throughout Melbourne. In fact, the city has over 100 art galleries and impressive theaters. Among the notable performance venues and halls include the Princess Theater, the Australian Center for Contemporary Art, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and Forum Theater. The city is also home to the country’s largest and oldest national gallery of Victoria.
This cultural city celebrates several types of festivals such as the International Film Festival, Fringe Festival, and International Arts Festival. World-renowned cultural groups are also based in the city including the Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Ballet.
Sports and Recreation
Melbourne has five world-class sporting facilities within the city’s central business district. These stadiums are the ideal location for major sporting events such as the AFL or Australian Football League matches. Nine of the AFL teams are Melbourne-based, and these are stationed at the Docklands Stadium. During weekly AFL matches, over 40,000 spectators flock the stadium to witness these games.
Aside from football, cricket is a popular sport in Melbourne. Almost all stadiums in the city feature a cricket or football match each week. It is also interesting to note that the city holds a record for having the highest attendance during a cricket match.
The city hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics because of its remarkable facilities and exemplary sporting location. Melbourne was also the excellent location for the 2006 Commonwealth Games. There are also three grand sporting activities held annually in the city. These events include the Australian Open, Formula One Grand Prix in Australia, and Melbourne Cup. In 2008, Melbourne obtained the distinction as being the World’s ultimate sports center.
Bottom Line
Melbourne reflects a diverse and rich culture, and the city takes pride in its local traditions and the arts. Several cultural institutions feature the multi-faceted society throughout the city including the performing arts, music, and film. Melbourne has numerous contributions when it comes to the arts and various forms of recreation. For instance, the city served as the location for the world’s first feature film, which was shot in 1906. Popular dance styles also emerged in the city including the Shuffle and New Vogue. In addition, the city has earned a reputation as a sporting capital. The vast stadiums and sporting facilities provide the perfect location for various sports matches and major events held in Melbourne.
If you need an office in Melbourne, visit Office in Melbourne.
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https://www.wtatennis.com/about-wta%20
https://ausopen.com/grand-slam-board
https://www.facebook.com/pg/AustralianOpen/about/?ref=page_internal
https://ezinearticles.com/?Melbourne:-Australias-Cultural-and-Sporting-Capital&id=7196770
