Feels like Thirty : Love-Love at the Australian Open

Melbourne - January 24-26, 2015

Being an avid sports fan, the Australian Open was one event that I was not going to let slip by while living in Australia. Not having been to a Grand Slam event previously, I could only anticipate the energy on the grounds and in the stands. I can confidently say that it did not disappoint. Melbourne is Australia’s unofficial capital of sport and it knows how to put on an international sporting event.

If you ever find yourself in Melbourne in mid to late January and can afford a ticket, do yourself a favour and check out the Aussie Open. I shouldn't really speak for non-tennis lovers but I have a feeling that those who don’t particularly care for tennis would enjoy it too. If the weather is fine, the grounds are a great place to picnic with friends and enjoy a beverage or two amidst the festive atmosphere that abounds. Remember, it’s summertime in Australia in January! Even being in the city during the tourney is exciting as there are plenty of other summer events to explore.

Hello Melbourne

If you’re like me and you’re purchasing tickets to the event for the first time, I advise you to save time to do some online research beforehand. Knowing the type of ticket to purchase and for which day(s) can be confusing as there are a lot of choices, especially early on in the tourney. One thing you’ll learn quickly is that not every ticket gives you access to every arena. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, it also takes some time to figure out how to move around the grounds and get the most out of your ticket. There’s plenty to see and do other than watch tennis, of course, but if you’re hoping to see as much tennis as possible while you’re there, arrive early. That will give you time to become familiar with the grounds and determine where to be at what time (depending on the type of ticket you have and which athletes you wish to see). For those of us that are into photography, here’s another helpful hint: unless you’re a member of the press, there’s a limit in the size of lens you’re allowed to bring into the grounds.

I was fortunate enough to watch four matches in two days and to explore the grounds as well. Here is a photo tour of my time at the Aussie Open.