The Australian Open is early in January in Melbourne. It has a summer carnival atmosphere earning it the nickname Happy Slam. Tournaments originally were played in five cities on hard courts. Grass replaced hard surfaces in 1987. The 2008 attendance for all events was near 606,000. Men and women receive equal pay. The total purse for 2008 was $1,197,739. The French Open began in 1891 in Paris. In 1968, it became the first to allow professionals and amateurs to play. The mid May to early June date and clay surface make this a physical tournament. Laver, Agassi, Borg, and Nadal represent the few serve and volley winners. Patient players have the advantage. Men play five sets with a final set tiebreaker. Women’s play began in 1897. This is a good article that everyone would enjoy reading. |
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