Very beautiful and elegant New Court Nº 3, nice pìcs, too!

^^ IMHO, the US Open appears more like a carnival with tennis going on. Some might like it, but it goes abit far for my liking. It goes well with NYC though :lol:

That's no explanation, m8. Just because you know Americans have a different view on their sports face to others ( Baseball, American Football or Basketball ) doesn't prove anything against the US Open unless you have been there and seen there are more important things happening at the Billie Jean King NTC rather than watching tennis during the tournament. The complex is IMO the best out there and as much as I know they are building a new court while Louis Armstrong will be rebuilt.

BTW, what were the average ratings/day for the Grand Slams on TV in 2010? I am just curious because the time zone has an important influence, naturally.

It makes some sense that anglo-saxons consider wimbledon and the us Open to be the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Yet, the fact is that preferences differing with the part of the world you live in. Ask an aussie which grand slam he favours, he'll answer the AO, sometimes wimbledon or the US, because the tradition in australia has always been focused on grass, and fast surfaces. Ask a Brit, he'll always answer wimbledon. Ask a french, it is Roland Garros.
It is the same in the rest of the world : while anglo-saxons, as I said before, mostly like the US ans Wim, people in southern Europe, Germany, South america concider the french open as the most exiting tournament in the world. And for the aussies, well... it is fair to say that it stands a bit lower than the 3 others. :D
So I think that a grounded ranking would be:
1- RG,WI,US
4- AO

Well, im mexican and I love the french open.- Then it's the AO, then Wimbledom and last (but not far) is the US open. The surface is what makes it for me.

That's no explanation, m8. Just because you know Americans have a different view on their sports face to others ( Baseball, American Football or Basketball ) doesn't prove anything against the US Open unless you have been there and seen there are more important things happening at the Billie Jean King NTC rather than watching tennis during the tournament. The complex is IMO the best out there and as much as I know they are building a new court while Louis Armstrong will be rebuilt.

BTW, what were the average ratings/day for the Grand Slams on TV in 2010? I am just curious because the time zone has an important influence, naturally.

No need to take it to heart, or take a defensive stance. Just putting my feelings on how I see it. Good for you if you connect to it. Personal choice is important :)

As for ratings, not entirely sure. I would also be interested to see some 2010 numbers.

As the years go on, and the Asian audience grows, the numbers will change significantly. The AO will likely be a big beneficiary of this chance, given its favourable timezone to many of the bigger markets in that region.

Love the look of the new Court 3; as expectd, it fits in perfectly. :)

As for the talk of favourite Slam, for me it goes...

1. Wimbledon
2. Australian Open
3. French Open
4. US Open

They're all unique, I love them all (have visited every site except for US) and they are all special.

And here's a video presenting the project proposed by the city of Versailles (a new Roland Garros, built near the Palace of Versailles) :

xgha8e_candidature-versailles-roland-garros_sport


For those who want, there's a poll between the four candidate sites of Roland Garros, in this thread in the French forum, feel free to vote :): PARIS - Roland-Garros (extension) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=541394)

I don't have a problem replacing Roland Garrow with a new facility, especially one with room to grow, beside the US and Australian Opens have changed locations without any problems. What I do have issue with is calling the new facility Roland Garros, it should be called after where it is not where it was.

But Roland Garros is the name of a person, not a location.

Building a new rugby stadium in Dublin and calling it Lansdowne Road would be weird - this, not so much.

But Roland Garros as a name is linked with this tennis centre at this location, it's a place name, if you moved the tennis centre to wherever calling it the same name is a little daft IMO.

But Roland Garros is the name of a person, not a location.

Actually, it's the name of the stadium, not the name of the tournament (which means it's also the name of a location ;), and the official name of the tournament/French open is: "Internationaux de France")...

The land was originally owned by the Stade-Francais club, who gave it to the Paris municipality in order to built the Tennis stadium, but the Stade-Francais in exchange asked that this new stadium was named after one of its famous member and rugby player (who also was a famous aviator): Roland Garros...

So, as you can see, the location is really linked with this name.

Anyway, the French Tennis Federation/French Open chose to stay there finally, so there's no naming problem anymore ! :)

I don't have a problem replacing Roland Garrow with a new facility, especially one with room to grow, beside the US and Australian Opens have changed locations without any problems. What I do have issue with is calling the new facility Roland Garros, it should be called after where it is not where it was.

Well, US Open moved from Forest Hills to Corona Park so it didn't suffer much since they're pretty close and Flushing has a good subway access just behind the complex.
I don't know about the old AO place but the present one is also central while a French Open at Versailles would be very far from the city center.

We've all got our own personal take on the most important tennis GS but I wonder what the results would be if you asked the top 300 men and women ranked players if they could win only one GS which would come out on top? I have a hunch it would be Wimby but it could also be Roland Garros or the US Open. I don't think the Aussie Open would get a look-in apart from Aussie players to be honest.

Court 3 looks great btw, just like you'd expect. Elegant, classy and effortlessly blends in with it's surroundings :cheers:

Roland Garros 2016:

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Great video of Roland Garros ! Really deserves it !

My preference in grand slams as it follows: Wimbledon, Australian Open and US Open (tied), Roland Garros. All of them are incredible and excellent of course!

ms3-G0nnKrI

^^3 roofs for the win :D

Looks amazing! Any idea what the upgrades to the Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena will be?

We've all got our own personal take on the most important tennis GS but I wonder what the results would be if you asked the top 300 men and women ranked players if they could win only one GS which would come out on top? I have a hunch it would be Wimby but it could also be Roland Garros or the US Open. I don't think the Aussie Open would get a look-in apart from Aussie players to be honest.

Court 3 looks great btw, just like you'd expect. Elegant, classy and effortlessly blends in with it's surroundings :cheers:

Many of the worlds top 10 players have consistently said they prefer the Aussie Open the most due to the crowds, the courts, the atmosphere and how hard it is in the weather.

It makes some sense that anglo-saxons consider wimbledon and the us Open to be the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Yet, the fact is that preferences differing with the part of the world you live in. Ask an aussie which grand slam he favours, he'll answer the AO, sometimes wimbledon or the US, because the tradition in australia has always been focused on grass, and fast surfaces. Ask a Brit, he'll always answer wimbledon. Ask a french, it is Roland Garros.
It is the same in the rest of the world : while anglo-saxons, as I said before, mostly like the US ans Wim, people in southern Europe, Germany, South america concider the french open as the most exiting tournament in the world. And for the aussies, well... it is fair to say that it stands a bit lower than the 3 others. :D
So I think that a grounded ranking would be:
1- RG,WI,US
4- AO


Surely, if you think people have such a thing as an "Anglo-Saxon" bias, then it would include all three of the English speaking (former British Dominions) tournaments?

Wimbledon, Australian Open and US Open, not just Wimbledon and the US!

Personally, I think all four tournaments are great, for different reasons, and I would place them all "Joint Top"!!!

Many of the worlds top 10 players have consistently said they prefer the Aussie Open the most due to the crowds, the courts, the atmosphere and how hard it is in the weather.

I was thinking more along the lines of which GS they would want to win. Federer puts Wimby at the top and so does Nadal. Djokovic will too if he ever wins it :lol:

That's because it's like the original tennis event.

But after that all three are one equal terms and generally people seem to be happier to win the Aus.

Does anybody know if the roof construction on this one already started?As of 3 weeks ago, it hasn't. I didn't know they were planning to build a roof. I attended the event this year, and I like the stadium without a roof, even though there was a rain delay on the final day. The atmosphere was great in the open air and it rarely rains in Rome during the summer anyway.

That's because it's like the original tennis event.Except that it (Wimbledon) is NOT the original tennis event. It's just a little bit older than the other slams.

Oh and by the way neither of the four majors is the oldest or the original or any such nonsense.

As of 3 weeks ago, it hasn't. I didn't know they were planning to build a roof. I attended the event this year, and I like the stadium without a roof, even though there was a rain delay on the final day. The atmosphere was great in the open air and it rarely rains in Rome during the summer anyway.

Yup to be honest I quite liked the atmosphere and the stadium looked beautiful under that Italian sun so let´s see if they decide to build it or not.

Except that it (Wimbledon) is NOT the original tennis event. It's just a little bit older than the other slams.

Oh and by the way neither of the four majors is the oldest or the original or any such nonsense.

:ohno:
lol

Except that it (Wimbledon) is NOT the original tennis event. It's just a little bit older than the other slams.




Wimbledon IS tennis.
Wimbledon IS the most prestigious event.
Wimbledon IS the oldest.

Just like The Open Championship IS golf, The Crucible IS snooker, Twickenham IS rugby, Wembley IS football and Lord's IS cricket.

We get bragging rights, because the sports were born here and because we did it first. :wink2:

Oh and by the way neither of the four majors is the oldest or the original or any such nonsense.

Umm what a ridiculous statement :nuts:

Wimbledon IS the oldest of the four majors.

We get bragging rights, because the sports were born here and because we did it first. :wink2:

And this is true, except about tennis dear ! :wink2:

Actually, tennis was born in France and England simultaneously and originates from the French game: Le Jeu de Paume.
BTW the word tennis comes from the French word "tenez" which means "here you are" or "voilà" or "take heed", it was what french Jeu de Paume players said as a warning from the server to the receiver.

1. Wimbledon - the biggest tradition, grass court, only high skilled players can win
2. Roland Garros - only grand slam with slow court, physically the hardest to win
3. US Open - It's great tournament, with great venues and crowd.. I have put Roland Garros on 2nd place only because of clay court which makes it difficult to win.
4. Australian open - great organisation, nice venues.. maybe it doesn't have such a big tradition as other grand slams.

They are all great torunaments so it's not easy to rank them

And this is true, except about tennis dear ! :wink2:

Actually, tennis was born in France and England simultaneously and originates from the French game: Le Jeu de Paume.
BTW the word tennis comes from the French word "tenez" which means "here you are" or "voilà" or "take heed", it was what french Jeu de Paume players said as a warning from the server to the receiver.



While it is true that the French played "tennis" early on, it was with their hands and different to the modern game of tennis we play today, more closer to Netball.

The game we see the world over today, came about from the creation of 'Lawn Tennis' which set all of the foundation rules and equipment still used today.... this started in Birmingham England in the 1800's. :wink2:

Anyway, one of the things I enjoy most about Wimbledon is the BBC sports montages... something that the Beeb excels at.



ao97WA1wusw&feature=related

IqdVXW9ZYTE&feature=related

Wimbledon IS tennis.
Wimbledon IS the most prestigious event.
Wimbledon IS the oldest.

Just like The Open Championship IS golf, The Crucible IS snooker, Twickenham IS rugby, Wembley IS football and Lord's IS cricket.

We get bragging rights, because the sports were born here and because we did it first. :wink2:

Oh wow you're a cocky shit.

it was with their hands

Absolutely not, dear ! (not since the early XVIth century....:wink2:)

'Cause since at least the year of grace 1505, the Jeu de Paume is a racket/racquet raquette sport... :bowtie:

:yes:

Absolutely not, dear ! (not since the early XVIth century....:wink2:)

'Cause since at least the year of grace 1505, the Jeu de Paume is a racket/racquet raquette sport... :bowtie:




Irregardless, modern tennis played around the world today is NOT based on Jeu de Paume... it is based on 'Lawn Tennis' and the lawn tennis rules/equipment which were an English invention, not French. :wink2:

^^ OK, you win....... :(

But, for once where a nation, which is not a British one, has contributed to the creation of a modern sport....I think you should be a little bit more "fair play" (a British invention BTW :|).....

Anyway... OK: YOU invented modern sport... but WE created almost all the competitions & organizations ! :bowtie:

http://www.ww1-propaganda-cards.com/images/sallies2shentente.JPG

Haha, are the French not also too proud?

Yes, the French have created some great sporting organisations.... like F1, although FIFA is officially in my bad books :) ... however, I am not giving you guys the Modern Olympics... that was "borrowed" from the English by Pierre de Coubertin... who strangely enough forgot where he had the idea from once the IOC became popular.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRtN6cK0mDpzU6f06vq9_yx1E_92BADSV6A55q--3Mda6a4oPBw&t=1

^^ Yeah, yeah......

And this is true, except about tennis dear ! :wink2:

Actually, tennis was born in France and England simultaneously and originates from the French game: Le Jeu de Paume.
BTW the word tennis comes from the French word "tenez" which means "here you are" or "voilà" or "take heed", it was what french Jeu de Paume players said as a warning from the server to the receiver.

I'm not one to side with Londonfox usually (sorry dude sometimes you're too cocky) but in this case Parc I'm not sure you got his point.
The actual sport of Tennis with the rules and the way that we see it played today was created in England. Just because another game previously may have been played with a racquet doesn't mean it automatically was the invention of Lawn Tennis.

With what you're saying this could be the case in most sports, its a bit like football; of course people have been playing with a ball for centuries but it was the English who created the game of football as we know it today with two teams of 11, with two goals, the rules etc.

But I guess nothing is ever pure. The French and the Brits should work together more often, could workout to be a great partnership. :lovethem:

del

That's because it's like the original tennis event.

But after that all three are one equal terms and generally people seem to be happier to win the Aus.

Not sure I agree with you there mate.

I mean look at the golf majors. The (British) Open is by far the oldest of the four but the most prestigious one to win is the Masters which is the youngest of the four. So it isn't just about age. Wimbledon, just like the Masters, has a certain type of magic that the other three don't have.

What tennis players apart from Aussies aim to win the Aussie open ahead of Wimbledon? :nuts:

Infact, even aussies would prefer to win Wimbledon.

^^ I think you will find it was in reference to Wimbeldon being far in front and the other 3 were what was being discussed.

The Australian open is likely the most relaxed of them all, which some like and others don't. Matter of preference.

^^ I think you will find it was in reference to Wimbeldon being far in front and the other 3 were what was being discussed.

The Australian open is likely the most relaxed of them all, which some like and others don't. Matter of preference.

some of the fans dont seem that relaxed,especially the Serb and Croat ones......as for the players,perhaps the extreme heat has some thing to do with them being relaxed

The extreme heat is by far the most overrated concept when it comes to the AO. This year, other than men's finals day, which dropped massively in the hours before the match, I don't think it got above 32 once. I attended the entire first week and it didn't hit 30. The last few years have seen very mild weather.

And besides, with three courts to have a roof within the next few years, the extreme heat becomes even less of an issue.

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Great videos! Show strong reasons why Wimbledon is the favorite among almost every tennis fan !

Now that was awesome PortoNuts :D

That was a rubbish BBC propaganda piece riddled with inaccuracies (among other things: it's the French Open that became the first grand slam "open" to professionals... also: Wimbledon was actually last major to implement equal prize-money... etc) So to pretend that the stuffy old ALTEC were some kind of progressive pioneers is laughably absurd as any tennis fanatic will tell you.

But anyway all this is off-topic matter that belongs in another thread

The topc is and should remain STADIUMS!

Ans so it appears that the building of the stands of court No. 3 is not finished (http://aeltc2011.wimbledon.com/visiting-wimbledon/maps/index.html) yet. That seems odd. I thought it was finished.
.

The extreme heat is by far the most overrated concept when it comes to the AO. This year, other than men's finals day, which dropped massively in the hours before the match, I don't think it got above 32 once. I attended the entire first week and it didn't hit 30. The last few years have seen very mild weather.

And besides, with three courts to have a roof within the next few years, the extreme heat becomes even less of an issue.

if the heat is so overated,why do they keep building roofs over the courts?

West Side Tennis Club, Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, NY (home of the US Open from 1915 until 1977)

http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/NY-AJ017_TENNIS_G_20100719170727.jpg
http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/6664/viewfromtopcenterofgran.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/862/viewfromtopcenterofgran.jpg/)

The stadium is on the endangered list... http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/11/nyregion/11oldstadium.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion

That's crazy ^^

Amazing though.

if the heat is so overated,why do they keep building roofs over the courts?

Might have something to do with rain? figures...

Awesome pictures Commandant!! Thanks. :)

Awesome pictures Commandant!! Thanks. :)

Credit goes to the original photographers, Peter Dutton, also known as Joe Shlabotnik on flickr, and Uli Seit for The Wall Street Journal. :cheers:

Awesome pics, hope its not left in a state of disrepair now.

Wimbledon´s roof had plenty of work this last week.

if the heat is so overated,why do they keep building roofs over the courts?

To maximise the use of the Arena's for Indoor events like Basketball and Concerts.

^^ True.

It certainly gives protection from varied weather conditions, from rain to extreme heat, helping keep the schedules integrity during the event.

Melb may not have had an extreme heat situation for the last couple of AO's, but its the most likely of the 4 majors to suffer from it. In 2009, for example, most of the event was played in mid 30c+ conditions, including a few of those days in the 40s. The last couple of milder event conditions are mainly the exception, not the rule.

Does anyone in this thread make their own tennis stadiums like on sketchup ect?

http://i51.tinypic.com/1038t5j.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/30u37uw.jpg

capacity:5938
upper tier- 5008, lower tier-930
i think its like the court 1 at wimbledon

http://i54.tinypic.com/2dsn1j7.jpg http://i55.tinypic.com/8yz7nt.jpg
Capacity- 3916 (1758 Upper Tier, 2158 Lower Tier)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=H74G3VG2

Anyone got any pictures of old number one court?

Anyone got any pictures of old number one court?

I used to like how court one looked with the one big stand dwarfing the other sides.

http://gb.fotolibra.com/images/previews/688434-england-wimbledon-no-1-court-1960.jpeg

The opposite stand was joined to Centre court and was tiny in comparison with huge pillars blocking the views.

http://www.bobbundy.com/Auctions38/138UkWimbledon.jpg

How court one looks today.

http://placebook.bdp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/wimbledonNo1_imagelib_P1107910_aerial.jpg

Talking of Court one. Wimbledon executives are considering putting a roof over the 'new' Court one. It'd be interesting to see how they'd design this.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/jun/29/court-one-roof-wimbledon

^I was in fact waiting for those news to come up. Let´s see what happens. I think it will depend a lot on how´s the weather for next year Olympics and Grand Slam.
Curious to see how they will treat the grass for both tournaments.

http://i51.tinypic.com/1038t5j.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/30u37uw.jpg

capacity:5938
upper tier- 5008, lower tier-930
i think its like the court 1 at wimbledon

I always think, that if possible a suite option/level should be integrated with the first tier of seats.

Can we post cross sections/ section plans of tennis venues too please? :)

^I was in fact waiting for those news to come up. Let´s see what happens. I think it will depend a lot on how´s the weather for next year Olympics and Grand Slam.
Curious to see how they will treat the grass for both tournaments.

I saw a piece on the BBC about the short timespan between the Wimbledon tournament and the Olympics and the Wimbledon official said they had done trial runs the past two years and the grass was fine. He seemed very confident.

:cheers:

Talking of Court one. Wimbledon executives are considering putting a roof over the 'new' Court one. It'd be interesting to see how they'd design this.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/jun/29/court-one-roof-wimbledon

Looks good, they need a new roof on court 1 cos its supid the play stopping everywhere except center because of the rain. However, as the court 1 is circular, the roof should be retractabvle but something like this, rather than doing a roof that looks like centre court:
http://i56.tinypic.com/14brgp5.jpg
http://i53.tinypic.com/2yyqntt.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/2vnlxqu.jpg

http://www-civ.eng.cam.ac.uk/dsl/roof/planar/planar.html


I always think, that if possible a suite option/level should be integrated with the first tier of seats.

Does court 1 at wimbledon have VIP suites? I dont think so, i cant find any in pictures. This would not be a main court and I think it would be ugly with glass inbetween levels, i would have to raise the upper tier


Can we post cross sections/ section plans of tennis venues too please? :)

Like this:
http://i53.tinypic.com/mv213p.jpg (Court 1 Wimbledon)
http://i52.tinypic.com/24b3ewn.jpg (Arthur Ashe NY)

I can do some plans of mine if u want

I used to like how court one looked with the one big stand dwarfing the other sides.

http://gb.fotolibra.com/images/previews/688434-england-wimbledon-no-1-court-1960.jpeg

The opposite stand was joined to Centre court and was tiny in comparison with huge pillars blocking the views.

http://www.bobbundy.com/Auctions38/138UkWimbledon.jpg

How court one looks today.

http://placebook.bdp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/wimbledonNo1_imagelib_P1107910_aerial.jpg

Talking of Court one. Wimbledon executives are considering putting a roof over the 'new' Court one. It'd be interesting to see how they'd design this.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/jun/29/court-one-roof-wimbledon

Cheers for the pictures, couldn't find any anywhere. It's strange I can remember watching Wimbledon in the early/mid 1990s and I can't for the life of me remember watching a game there, I didn't even realise it was knocked down so recently.

http://i51.tinypic.com/aaavj8.jpg
This is gonna be center court in an italian tennis complex. It has 2 big screens, neither of which are particularly visable from court level. The end stand lower tier starts very low so a safety net would be temporarily installed for tournaments.
Capacity: 9924
6434 Upper tier
206 per corner (x4)
2611 lower tier seats
55 Press Seats

The corner seats would be the most expensive, and these would be for VIPs and family ect. The best seats in the house, in my opinion, would be in the upper tier ends. This is the view:
http://i52.tinypic.com/205dz85.jpg
View from VIP corner section:
http://i56.tinypic.com/144bimd.jpg
View from press seats:
http://i56.tinypic.com/15hk39d.jpg
Stadium from the air:
http://i55.tinypic.com/10oqi3b.jpg

Sorry about the big pics!
^^The seats on the ends would not be allowed in any tennis stadium. Coming down to court level would interfere with the players sight lines. How annoying would it be to see fans moving around, waving, in the line of site?

fair enough then for competitions the bottom rows could be removed, like this: This reduces the capacity by 156.
http://i52.tinypic.com/n63xxx.jpg
They could be retractable so for conserts,basketball games ect they could be out

Ive got some basketball spec pictures if you want to see them

The thing with the roof on the Center Court ( Rod Laver, Chatrier, Centre, Arhtur Ashe ) is something mandatory now IMO after Wimbledon broke the lock.
I mean I know the guys at US Open will built a new Louis Armstrong or something like that and it will make it roof ready but they don't have plans for anything on A.A.
I think the Centre Court at Wimbledon misses a good view from the first rows because of the bigger distance from the court and the stands are laid back instead of steep like in Paris, for how much money they make they can always built a new main court and make the old centre the nr. 1 court.
Also the A.A. and even Louis Armstrong can use the roof to host indoor sports like Rod Laver Arena.

Arthur Ashe is too expensive for a roof.

Money is the only real reason that is holding them back (but they are pretending as if it's structurally too big to build a retractable roof there which is ofcourse BS! Amrica is full of retractable baseball and football stadia so of it is definitely possible to add a retractable at Flushing Meadows

The thing with the roof on the Center Court ( Rod Laver, Chatrier, Centre, Arhtur Ashe ) is something mandatory now IMO after Wimbledon broke the lock.
I mean I know the guys at US Open will built a new Louis Armstrong or something like that and it will make it roof ready but they don't have plans for anything on A.A.
I think the Centre Court at Wimbledon misses a good view from the first rows because of the bigger distance from the court and the stands are laid back instead of steep like in Paris, for how much money they make they can always built a new main court and make the old centre the nr. 1 court.
Also the A.A. and even Louis Armstrong can use the roof to host indoor sports like Rod Laver Arena.

Putting a roof on the AA stadium would be a huge task, that place is massive!

As for Wimbledon centre court, it is going to stay that way for a long long time, there is no need to build a replacement :nuts:

Putting a roof on the AA stadium would be a huge task, that place is massive!

As for Wimbledon centre court, it is going to stay that way for a long long time, there is no need to build a replacement :nuts:

yeah but a roof on court 2 would be nice, which is retractable so you can play when it rains, which is quite often in britain

ROMANIA

Tenis Club IDU - Mamaia, Constanţa:

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/144/085mamaia.jpg

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/2420/86988827.jpg

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9409/23198884.jpg

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/262/78293623.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4720/39251252.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8093/54962396.jpg

http://img580.imageshack.us/img58

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/2637/96078880.jpg



Olimpia Tenis Club - Braşov

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/4673/olimpiatenisbrasov.jpg

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5818/olimpiatenisbrasov2.jpg

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/7108/olimpiatenisbrasovjpg3.jpg



Arenele BNR - Bucharest

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/5641/bcropen.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3246/bcrj.jpg

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9023/bcropen2.jpg

http://www.tenisdecamp.ro/stiri-tenis/wp-content/gallery/gdf-suez-open-romania-andrea-petkovic-vs-jelena-dokic/IMGP8799.jpg

The future for the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center?

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3351/capturewxa.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/2967/capture1yu.jpg

^^I really don´t think so. I see them building a new one with a roof than putting a roof on this one. Even looking like a [actually, very] simplistic roof it would cost a fortune. But if the final ends up on a Monday again they might consider that.

Looks very good there !

http://i53.tinypic.com/2s17hig.jpg
A grass tennis complex, with 16 courts and 7 outdoor practice courts. The main court, simply caled court 1, holds 9924 people (6434 Upper tier, 206 per corner (x4), 2611 lower tier seats, 55 Press Seats). Court 2 holds 3916 (1758 Upper Tier, 2158 Lower Tier), and Court 3 (See map in link below) holds 1282. Court 4 has a capacity of 1215, and court 5 holds 540 seated. Court 6 has a capacity of 499. The only 2 other courts with seats are courts 14 and 15, holding 673 and 364 respectively. There are 9 indoor practice courts, 7 acrylic and 2 carpet, and 7 outdoor practice courts, all lawn. Court 16 looks like a practice court, and is used for practice but can also be used for competitions. Standing is permitted where available and temporary stand would often be set up, usualy behind courts 7-11 and 16.
Please tell me whsat you think. Download for a closer look. thanks!
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=5936576698b1c5241463a6eac741fe98

Putting a roof on the AA stadium would be a huge task, that place is massive!

And in conclusion, America doesn't have the technology to do it? :cripes: Maybe they should call some Europeans or Asians!
Well, I know AA is huge since I've been there a couple of times over a decade ago BUT if those guys really want, they can easily add a roof Wimbledon like, not anything special like Amsterdam ArenA for example.
New York ain't the driest place in the world and stadiums like AA and New Meadowlands don't have a roof :cripes:, I mean at least for the sake of this cities image, with US Open probably being it's most important sporting event each year.

And in conclusion, America doesn't have the technology to do it? :cripes: Maybe they should call some Europeans or Asians!
Well, I know AA is huge since I've been there a couple of times over a decade ago BUT if those guys really want, they can easily add a roof Wimbledon like, not anything special like Amsterdam ArenA for example.
New York ain't the driest place in the world and stadiums like AA and New Meadowlands don't have a roof :cripes:, I mean at least for the sake of this cities image, with US Open probably being it's most important sporting event each year.

im sure the roof on the domes in north usa have bigger roofs, like that metrodome in minnionapolis

NEW YORK - USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

US OPEN - Flushing Meadows - New Court 17

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9VqVJobPoM/ThyN0qIo4bI/AAAAAAAAB0o/jaXI9fJ7q1o/s400/Court%2B17%2BMock1%2B%25281%2529.JPG

A new 3,000 seat stadium show court, simply called "Court 17".

The new show court replaces the current Field Courts 17 & 18,
which featured only bleachers on either side and were not as
frequently utilized during US OPEN competition.

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/6326/43176683.jpg

NEW YORK - USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

US OPEN - Flushing Meadows - New "Court 17"

http://www.usopen.org/images/pics/large/b_08292011_Court17_2011_US_Open_002.jpg

http://www.usopen.org/images/pics/large/b_08292011_Court17_2011_US_Open_004.jpg

http://www.usopen.org/images/pics/large/b_08292011_Court17_2011_US_Open_013.jpg

A new 3,000 seat stadium show court, simply called "Court 17".

The new show court replaces the current Field Courts 17 & 18,
which featured only bleachers on either side and were not as
frequently utilized during US OPEN 2011 competition.

Any news on a Arthur Ashe roof and new Louis Armstrong stadium?

And in conclusion, America doesn't have the technology to do it? :cripes: Maybe they should call some Europeans or Asians!
Well, I know AA is huge since I've been there a couple of times over a decade ago BUT if those guys really want, they can easily add a roof Wimbledon like, not anything special like Amsterdam ArenA for example.
New York ain't the driest place in the world and stadiums like AA and New Meadowlands don't have a roof :cripes:, I mean at least for the sake of this cities image, with US Open probably being it's most important sporting event each year.

What?? Where did I even mention anything about America, technology or Europe and Asia?

All I said was that it would be a huge task. Were you drunk when you posted?

:cheers:

NEW YORK - USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

US OPEN - Flushing Meadows - New "Court 17"

http://www.usopen.org/images/pics/large/b_08292011_Court17_2011_US_Open_013.jpg

A new 3,000 seat stadium show court, simply called "Court 17".

The new show court replaces the current Field Courts 17 & 18,
which featured only bleachers on either side and were not as
frequently utilized during US OPEN 2011 competition.
Cool pics, thanks so much for posting.

This was the worlds best kept secret, I had NO idea they were even planning a new showcourt let alone had it completed for this years tournament!! 3k eh, it honestly doesn't look that big, but must be. It's nice, a bit unusual, but nice, a good addition. :)

What?? Where did I even mention anything about America, technology or Europe and Asia?

All I said was that it would be a huge task. Were you drunk when you posted?

:cheers:

Still:

- AA no roof
- New Meadowlands no roof
- Citi Field no roof
- Yankee stadium roof for only a handful of people on the last rows
- :cripes:

That court looks very nice, great addition !

Wimbledon was actually last major to implement equal prize-money...

They shouldn't have, I'm all for equal pay for equal play, and that's not going to happen considering the quality of female tennis players today, most appear completely shagged after two sets, whenever a women's match goes the distance the quality usually drops significantly in the 3rd set. There is no reason to pay women the same amount as men when they can't put on a decent show.

^^Have you watched Petrova vs Stosur yesterday? It´s like they did it just to go against your post...

^^Have you watched Petrova vs Stosur yesterday? It´s like they did it just to go against your post...

^^^^
Did you watch McHale vs. Kirilenko? Kirilenko in the last 3 games of the 2nd set (after winning esay 6-2 the first) was cramping all the way. I'm also not very fond of the equal pay for men and women. If the men play 3 of 5 in the GS why not the women? And i'm not going even to discuss the difference in the pace of play.
Do women run less distance in a marathon than a man?

They shouldn't have, I'm all for equal pay for equal play, and that's not going to happen considering the quality of female tennis players today, most appear completely shagged after two sets, whenever a women's match goes the distance the quality usually drops significantly in the 3rd set. There is no reason to pay women the same amount as men when they can't put on a decent show.

Totally agree with this. How many times do we see an underdog in the womens game take a big lead but then throw it all away and lose 6-0 in the last set? No stamina. If the women want to play best of five sets then equal pay would be no problem but they only play best of three sets. In reality women earn way more at the slam events if you judge their pay per hour.

Womens tennis is an absolute bore to watch. If it wasn't for their revealing outfits I certainly wouldn't tune in.

:cheers:

^^Have you watched Petrova vs Stosur yesterday? It´s like they did it just to go against your post...

I did but that kind of game is the exception rather than the rule.

^^^^
Did you watch McHale vs. Kirilenko? Kirilenko in the last 3 games of the 2nd set (after winning esay 6-2 the first) was cramping all the way. I'm also not very fond of the equal pay for men and women. If the men play 3 of 5 in the GS why not the women? And i'm not going even to discuss the difference in the pace of play.
Do women run less distance in a marathon than a man?

Did you watch Kirilenko vs Stosur?
I agree that they don´t have to play 5 sets and I hope that never happens but if it´s the sponsors who give the prize-money why complain if it´s equal or not? After all who wins this Slams wins more money outside of the court rather than on it...

Did you watch Kirilenko vs Stosur?
I agree that they don´t have to play 5 sets and I hope that never happens but if it´s the sponsors who give the prize-money why complain if it´s equal or not? After all who wins this Slams wins more money outside of the court rather than on it...

In womens tennis they do not earn more money outside. Maybe just Sharapova, Ivanovic and the Williams, but all of the rest top 30 or so do not.
The complaint is that the total purse (given by the sponsors) is 50/50, so the men can't get more money than the women. The risk or injury is far greater for the men in GS events, it's just not fair. Another thing is that mens tennis is far more lucrative nowdays than womens.. they generate more revenue in these events...

Did you watch Kirilenko vs Stosur?
I agree that they don´t have to play 5 sets and I hope that never happens but if it´s the sponsors who give the prize-money why complain if it´s equal or not? After all who wins this Slams wins more money outside of the court rather than on it...

The tournaments were forced into giving equal prize money by the PC crowd, which was bullshit, for equal pay they should have demanded equal play, but they didn't, the men are being screwed, playing more games, putting on a better show and effectively being paid less.

The season ending WTA Championships used to be best of 5 sets, this lasted from 1984 until 1998; Hingis won the last 5 set event against Davenport. So IMO women can play 5 sets, they have done so in the past and if they want to be paid the same as the men they should play 5 sets in the Slams.

What about Wozniacki VS Kutsnezova??? What a match and cool spectacle!!!

Well, a huge choke by Kuzzy, but yeah...

^^As usual...

In fact Li Na is one of the players who makes more money outside the court. Anyway I think WTA is turning the attentions too much on how the players look rather than the game.
The could play 5 sets if they do something the men´s are asking...reduce the calendar. That way you won´t have the number of drop outs we had this year at USO.

Speaking of USO...if you like it you should put a roof on it ;)

Speaking of USO...if you like it you should put a roof on it ;)

ROFLMAO. Seems that the weather isn't going to get much better in the next two days either.

The could play 5 sets if they do something the men´s are asking...reduce the calendar. That way you won´t have the number of drop outs we had this year at USO.

They only have to play 5 sets at 4x Grand Slams while their calendar is shorter by oen month than the ATP World Tour so I would rather give more money to the dudes that play 5 sets and depend a lot on this at the Grand Slams than making the girls play 3/5.
Players like Fish achieve big results in 2/3 but not in 3/5 as we saw last night against Tsonga, what are they supposed to say? Make us play 2/3? Hard...that makes a Grand Slam so special.

I believe sets (along with the 4 or more GS issue already talked here before) won´t see any changes in the future.

Although I believe the points system might change. Next year Djokovic is basically doomed...he has a gazillion points to defend. And that´s what make players avoid not going to a tournament because they don´t wanna lose ranking places that will interfere on the draw at the Masters or GS.
On WTA (mainly fans) claim GS should give more points. Because what Wozniacki does is clever (even with many, me included, not liking her game). She plays [almost] every single week and gathers enough points that if she loses on earlier rounds (or let put just "if she doesn´t win the GS") she will remain at the top. But the fact is other than Caro nobody steps up. Serena was ONE(!) year away she comes back plays a couple of tournaments wins a Masters and she´s a favourite on a GS at the age of 29...

P.S. Federer was unhappy to play at midnight :lol: He was in a hurry yesterday...fantastic match.
And yup...the weather forecast is pretty awful...I think they were planning to put 09/11/11 on the ends of the court for the final...I believe they should prepare for another Monday final...for the 4th year in a row.

http://zone.hanple.com/data/site/304/1196062130_u5s7.jpg


http://www.dailytravelphotos.com/images/2009/091019_seoul_korea_hansol_tennis_wta_olympic_stadium_Vera_Dushevina_Anastasija_Sevastova_MG_6717.jpg


http://www.dailytravelphotos.com/images/2009/091019_seoul_korea_hansol_tennis_wta_olympic_stadium_Vera_Dushevina_Anastasija_Sevastova_3MG_6707.jpg

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/6193/duryu890.jpg

That looks awesome

Daegu certainly went about things differently with that stadium re-use idea. Smart thinking:)

In womens tennis they do not earn more money outside. Maybe just Sharapova, Ivanovic and the Williams, but all of the rest top 30 or so do not.


That's not true, Wozniacki has a contract with Qatar, you see adverts in Russia with most of the top Russian girls, Clisters is all over Belgium, funny thing is I've never seen an advert with a Willaims, IMO they are just too darn ugly to use as spokeswomen.

They really need a roof at the US Open, perhaps put one over Armstrong if Ashe isn't feasible.

BTW, Daegu, that is sick!!

They said something about a new Louis Armstrong Arena that is 'roof ready' but I don't know what they're planning, they should build that and also add one on AA and eventually Grandstand if the new plan will include it.
This way there will be no problems with rain starting from at least Round 4 when they don't need to use more than 3 grounds to fit all the games needed in one day. Eventually add night sessions on LA and GS.

Looks like the players are quite mad at the organization...

@KiwiRob I believe Williams sisters have a bunch of lucrative contracts on the US. Just like Na Li has in China. But, at least here, we keep watching Wozniacki over and over again for a Turkish Airlines ad with awful colours :nuts:

^^

Looks like the players are quite mad at the organization...

It is a joke period. All the talk about a roof on AA is fine but they don't even have the simplest of measures in place. Can you believe that the reason they don't have court covers is because 'they don't look very nice'? Unbelievable.

Then because they are way behind with the schedule they try and get players out on court when the courts are still wet and getting wetter by the second because of water run-off due to the bad building and design of the courts.

I've not even mentioned the fact that Murrays (I don't particuarly like the bloke btw) first match was not scheduled until Wednesday which automatically left him playing catch-up (again!) without any rain delays. All this because of the stupid idea of 'super Saturday'.

I hope it rains continuouslyfor the next week!

:cheers:

funny thing is I've never seen an advert with a Willaims, IMO they are just too darn ugly to use as spokeswomen.

Have to disagree with that. Serena looks lovely when she makes the effort. :pepper::lovethem:


:cheers:

And apparently they had a 1:30 breach without rain (according to some tweets) but when they finally decided to bring the players to the court...rain appeared.

Place your bets in which day USO is going to end and not in who wins it ;)
Weather forecast looks awful :laugh:

I hope it rains continuouslyfor the next week!

:cheers:
Agreed.

Fancy the tournament organisers insisting that they're still expecting to finish on Sunday. Murray and Nadal having to play 4 best of 5 set matches in as many days, disgrace.

Keep on coming rain! :banana:

Have to disagree with that. Serena looks lovely when she makes the effort. :pepper::lovethem:


:cheers:

If you like women who look like baboons then yup I guess she's pretty attractive. If you can find a photo of Serena looking lovely by all means post it.

And apparently they had a 1:30 breach without rain (according to some tweets) but when they finally decided to bring the players to the court...rain appeared.

Place your bets in which day USO is going to end and not in who wins it ;)
Weather forecast looks awful :laugh:

Agreed.

Fancy the tournament organisers insisting that they're still expecting to finish on Sunday. Murray and Nadal having to play 4 best of 5 set matches in as many days, disgrace.

Keep on coming rain! :banana:

This sums the organisers up IMO, they are so arrogant. No one can control the weather but you can implement plans (simple court covers for instance) that can speed up play when dry windows appear and schedule the matches better/fairer from the beginning.

If you like women who look like baboons then yup I guess she's pretty attractive. If you can find a photo of Serena looking lovely by all means post it.

Well when you describe a woman as a baboon, in itself a disgrace, then no matter what picture I put up of Serena then you would pick faults. Good job we don't all have the same tastes in life or it'd be a bit dull.

:cheers:

No offense, but the Williams sisters look hell horrible :hahano:.
You can have your own tastes but mine say NOOOOOOOOOOO to those two.
There are so many women players out there and we're talking about the Williams sisters? :crazy:

No offense, but the Williams sisters look hell horrible :hahano:.
You can have your own tastes but mine say NOOOOOOOOOOO to those two.
There are so many women players out there and we're talking about the Williams sisters? :crazy:

The first mention of Serena came from KiwiRob with this comment:

That's not true, Wozniacki has a contract with Qatar, you see adverts in Russia with most of the top Russian girls, Clisters is all over Belgium, funny thing is I've never seen an advert with a Willaims, IMO they are just too darn ugly to use as spokeswomen.

Nothing crazy about it.

Tennis Stadium, Baghdad

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i474/makaay31/TennisStadium2.jpg

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i474/makaay31/TennisStadium1.jpg

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i474/makaay31/TennisStadium3.jpg

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i474/makaay31/TennisStadium4.jpg

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i474/makaay31/TennisStadium.jpg

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i474/makaay31/TennisStadium11.jpg

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i474/makaay31/et.png

Diamond Arena

Architects: Atelier 11
Location: Beijing, China
Capacity: 15,000

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/1871/1317400801211000x598.jpg

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/9070/131740067941000x652.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/474/131740070061000x653.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/337/131740072281000x640.jpg

http://www.archdaily.com/173290/diamond-arena-atelier-11/

The Diamond Arena looks very beautiful, impressive, looks like the Qi Zhong in Shanghai...

RMB2007, I was looking for interior pictures of this diamond arena on the Internet after I saw a few tennis matches of the Beijing Open that is taking place now.

But to my surprise I discovered that there were no photos of the interior anywhere on the internet (going by google & bing images)

So you are the first person on the internet that has posted the pic of the inside of this arena! Thanks!

Of course now there are lots of pictures of the arena from inside due to the activity that has been going on this week:


http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0d692Ak5iX1df/1002x.jpg
daylife

Great looking tennis stadium. Very impressive.

However, has anyone from this board watched tennis there? I would imagine that it could be quite hard to see the ball from near the top of the upper tier.


I have attended many US Open Tennis matches and have sat in the upper rows of this stadium. I and everyone else sitting up there in the nose bleed seats CAN see the ball...

It stands to reason a tennis ball is close to the size of a baseball... and if the fans in a baseball stadium's nose bleed seats can follow the baseball they will be able to follow a tennis ball in this stadium being considerably closer to the action...

which stadium is this really awesome picture taking in match ?

Caro Wozniacki's dad Piotr on Saturday will come to Poland to open the new tennis centre in Poland "Tennis Coaching Centre of Wielkopolska" in Sobota near Poznań.

The centre is the most modern tennis venue in Poland: 10 outdoor clay courts, 4 indoor clay courts (Stuttgart's surface) and 5 indoor hard (Ace Rebound). The centre court has 500 seats (so far).

http://www.pzt.pl/images/stories/wos-470x300e.jpg

http://www.teraztenis.pl/images/getImage/GalleryPhoto/_mg_0178_s.jpg/filename

http://www.atp.org.pl/upload/place/7wdumhewv9u64hjybcpkk.jpg

http://tenis-sobota.pl/files/images/_mg_0186.jpg

http://tenis-sobota.pl/files/images/_mg_0196.jpg

The Chinese stadiums are impressive. Its just a pity that the crowd numbers at the tennis events are so small on so many days.

Sinan Erdem Dome, Istanbul. Will be holding the WTA year end championships this coming week.

http://www.ttf.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sinan-Erdem.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/300914_10150491523601102_26081741101_11049703_1717219213_n.jpg

^Why is the i in Istanbul lower case but all the others upper case. Lol.

Those colours....meh.

NEW YORK - USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

US OPEN - Flushing Meadows - New "Court 17"

http://www.usopen.org/images/pics/large/b_08292011_Court17_2011_US_Open_002.jpg

http://www.usopen.org/images/pics/large/b_08292011_Court17_2011_US_Open_004.jpg

http://www.usopen.org/images/pics/large/b_08292011_Court17_2011_US_Open_013.jpg

A new 3,000 seat stadium show court, simply called "Court 17".

The new show court replaces the current Field Courts 17 & 18,
which featured only bleachers on either side and were not as
frequently utilized during US OPEN 2011 competition.

Looks SOOOO similar to the one built for ATP Winston Salem...

^Why is the i in Istanbul lower case but all the others upper case. Lol.

It happens when you hold shift while caps lock is turned on :lol:

Capital I is written in Turkish that way.

Haven´t seen any matches today but looks like, at least here in Portugal, many people on Eurosport Portugal Facebook page complained about the court colour scheme and that you can´t see the ball properly.

This week it is the Valencia Open 500

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111221510197.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111221440111.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111202101112.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111185453173.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111151958130.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111125835194.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_3010221541157.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111185529166.jpg

^^^^ is that the train station?

No... I guess u are confussed with the transportation hub that is being built in NYC which is very similar to this building and also from Calatrava :)

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0311122433100.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0311122354132.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0311122105136.JPG

Nice video of the arena: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtHQdYMY4_0

WOW :eek:

A very nice video of the building and the semifinals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMYcnwMOndA


http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0511133450200.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0411112008120.jpg

And the tennis arena from far:

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5810/cienciaspanskylineparaf.jpg

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/4853/cienciaskylineparaforo.jpg

Yunus Abad - main tennis courts (Central Asia)

http://www.tourblogger.ru/sites/default/files/u29097/p5103846_0.jpg

http://venividi.ru/files/u9751/139696757.jpg

http://myjourney.ru/files/4628/10.jpg

http://venividi.ru/files/u9751/49a48bdc6506.jpg

http://myjourney.ru/files/4628/wta_13.jpg

http://venividi.ru/files/u9751/3.jpg

You never know, maybe one day something like this will become a reality:

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/5905/ustanationaltenniscente.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5905/ustanationaltenniscente.jpg

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/5905/ustanationaltenniscente.jpg

And is that a random internet proposal or is there anything official about adding a roof to the AA?

Very good renders and pics, indoor courts are my favorites...

And is that a random internet proposal or is there anything official about adding a roof to the AA?

It's part of a long-term vision:

USTA Arthur Ashe Retractable Roof and National Tennis Center

Charged with developing a long-term vision for the site of the U.S. Open, Aedas LA is designing a number of on-going projects including a new $40 million indoor practice facility, new site amenities, enhancement of concessions and merchandise and a study to provide a series of upgrades to Arthur Ashe stadium.

The existing Arthur Ashe Stadium was constructed as an open-air, tennis specific stadium in 1997. In order to provide a protected environment in the case of inclement weather, this design anticipates the addition of a permanent canopy surrounding the upper deck seating and a folding, retractable fabric roof providing full closure when needed. The canopy, made of translucent fabric and hung from a steel truss structure, provides the upper deck with shade but maintains a large opening directly over the court. During periods of rain, the opening can be closed providing full coverage of the stadium bowl and court allowing uninterrupted play. The canopy and retractable portion of the roof are supported on four 250’ tall steel truss towers. This structure allows the addition of the roof without impact to the base structure of the existing stadium.

If you guys want Roland Garros to stay in Paris & if you want its extension to be completed in 2016, please sign the petition below:


dydjalgFxTg

HERE (http://www.petitions24.net/unouipourroland)

We rely on you...many thanks & happy new year to you all! :)

Sorry I'm all for moving the French Open to a better location with better facilities.

If New York dont want it, Miami could use it.
Heck, we might just become a true Masters tournament! :D

Clay Grand Slam to Madrid? :devil: :troll:

Melbourne Park Upgrade

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/australian-opens-bright-future/story-fn6bfkm6-1226246813477

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2012/01/17/1226246/813343-melbourne-park-redevelopment.jpg

Australian Open's bright future

by: Aaron Langmaid
From: Herald Sun
January 18, 2012 12:00AM

IT'S tennis like you've never seen before in Melbourne.

Exclusive images of how a redeveloped Melbourne Park will look when completed will whet the appetite of sports fans around the world.

The slick new design of Margaret Court Arena will be a centrepiece of what is hoped will further cement the city's status as the sports capital of the nation.

With near record crowds likely to file in for the third day of the Australian Open, tennis fans have been given first glimpse of what the upgraded sports precinct will look like.

The multi-million dollar transformation, designed to secure the future of the event, will increase seating capacity, open space and shade, and improve public transport connections.

Images released by the State Government yesterday reveal what Margaret Court Arena will look like when it becomes the third enclosed stadium.

Another 1500 seats will be added to the stand with extensions and refurbishments outside and underneath.

The entire project, to cost $363 million, will feature eight new indoor courts, 13 outside courts, a plaza and a pedestrian link between AAMI Park, Melbourne Park and the MCG.

Major Projects Minister Denis Napthine said it would provide the Australian Open with a third all-weather court and benefit other sports including netball and basketball.

When complete, the arena will provide space to fill the gap between the 3500-seat state netball and hockey centre and 11,000-seat Hisense Arena.

"The Australian Open makes a vital contribution to Victoria, generating about 1000 full time-equivalent jobs and $164 million annually into the state's economy."

He said almost 240 million viewers tuned in world wide, helping boost Victoria's profile as a tourist destination.

Tennis Australia chief Steve Wood said it was a sign of big things to come.

"The redevelopment will ensure the Australian Open has the very best grand slam facilities in the world. We are the only event with two, and soon to be three, retractable roofs, enabling us to continue play in all weather conditions," he said.

"(The development) has cemented the future of the Australian Open in Melbourne until 2036."

BqOYjc-W-ow&

Those plans look great! Hats off to the Aussie Open organisers for trying to get on the same level as the other three big boys - if you can't match their prestige then try and develop your way into the fold. They may even make it one day! Not in my lifetime though.

:cheers:

Excellent project and i like the new roof!

BqOYjc-W-ow&

Should make a really good home for the Melbourne Tigers and any 2nd NBL club in Melbourne, perfect capacity for local Basketball.

Those plans look great! Hats off to the Aussie Open organisers for trying to get on the same level as the other three big boys - if you can't match their prestige then try and develop your way into the fold. They may even make it one day! Not in my lifetime though.

:cheers:

Never really viewed the US Open as any more prestigeous than the AUS Open but the 2 European ones, certainly.

Never really viewed the US Open as any more prestigeous than the AUS Open

The most important people, the players, certainly have though. It isn't that long ago that many players didn't even bother competing in the Aussie Open but thankfully that has changed now.

:cheers:

I think this roof has the risk of looking "warehouse cheap" in reality. Appreciate the design thought or concept but it could end up looking cheap.

http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2012/01/17/1226246/813343-melbourne-park-redevelopment.jpg

Good modern design, I like it including photoes from yours.

http://www.banq.cn/UserFiles/13%20%E5%9B%A2%E6%B3%8A%E5%9B%BD%E9%99%85%E7%BD%91%E7%90%83%E4%B8%AD%E5%BF%83_%E7%BC%A9%E5%B0%8F%E5%A4%A7%E5%B0%8F.jpg

Towns Consultants (http://www.townsnet.cn/archPlan/tianjinInternationalTennisCenter/tianjinInternationalTennisCenter.htm)
http://www.townsnet.cn/archPlan/tianjinInternationalTennisCenter/images/image_2.jpg



As of Nov 2011 (picture below is the 4000 seat one... the 10 000 seat one w/ retractable roof under construction as well?):

http://epaper.tianjinwe.com/tjrb/images/1/1/2011-11/05/07/res03_attpic_brief.jpg

The most important people, the players, certainly have though. It isn't that long ago that many players didn't even bother competing in the Aussie Open but thankfully that has changed now.

:cheers:

Countless players have stated that Melbourne is their favorite to play in.

Those plans look great! Hats off to the Aussie Open organisers for trying to get on the same level as the other three big boys - if you can't match their prestige then try and develop your way into the fold. They may even make it one day! Not in my lifetime though.

:cheers:

I don't feel the US Open is anymore prestigous than the AO really.

The other 2 have abit more prestige in many ways, although the French does trail Wimbeldon by a fair bit also.

Mo Rush, I can see what you mean. It could have been abit cleaner in design and more coherent with its surrounds, but overall still a solid addition. Having 3 Roofed courts, along with a large indoor training complex will really be a boost.

Looks great, the MCA roof, but man I still cannot believe they are getting rid of Garden Square. Do they realise how popular it is??

Aus Open had a crowd of 80,649 for the Saturday session. The highest recorded at any Grand Slam.

Kinda wish there was more room for an extra show court that had a 10,000-12,000 capacity:

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/4157/log9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/811/log9.jpg/)

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4417/42401709.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/217/42401709.jpg/)

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5250/20110726119875791.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/2579/20110726119875793.jpg

The Wimbledon courts are awesome !!!!

Countless players have stated that Melbourne is their favorite to play in.

We hear that at every tournament to be fair but I'd imagine there is less pressure on players at the Aussie Open for the reason I mentioned. It just isn't as important as the other three majors and so maybe some players are more relaxed about it. It has turned into a great tournament, no question about that, but you can't invent prestige.

Did you see what happened back in Serbia after Djokovic won Wimbledon?

:cheers:

We hear that at every tournament to be fair but I'd imagine there is less pressure on players at the Aussie Open for the reason I mentioned. It just isn't as important as the other three majors and so maybe some players are more relaxed about it. It has turned into a great tournament, no question about that, but you can't invent prestige.

Did you see what happened back in Serbia after Djokovic won Wimbledon?

:cheers:

Less pressure??? It would really help if you knew what you were talking about. The prestige is there. It's a grand slam event.

Anyway it's irrelevant what you or I think. The Open is now the largest and richest tournament in the world with a more impressive history than the French Open. That tournament was only open to international players after 1925.

Wimbledon just oozes so much class. It just seems so effortless in it's charm and beauty, in that it doesn't even have to try hard to impress.

I don't feel the US Open is anymore prestigous than the AO really.

Yeah, you don't feel it from Melbourne do you!? :nuts:

Discussing about this is worthless between citizens of host cities.

My opinion stands.

1.Wimbledon - Oldest and most prestigious tournament in this sport, nobody can attack this.
2.US Open
3.Roland Garros
4.Australian Open

I watch'em all equally anyway, even make efforts to adapt for the Aussie hours ( US Open is OK during the nights and better time of the year to waste them ).
Apart from being the last in the order of appearance, Aussie Open was ignored by top players like Nastase or Bjorg and that's kinda sad for a Grand Slam.

Less pressure??? It would really help if you knew what you were talking about. The prestige is there. It's a grand slam event.

Anyway it's irrelevant what you or I think. The Open is now the largest and richest tournament in the world with a more impressive history than the French Open. That tournament was only open to international players after 1925.

Yes, less pressure. Obviously it is a grand slam event but the one that every player wants to win the least (apart from Aussies) out of the four. That's not a dig at the Aussie open, just a cold hard fact. The timing of the event is also terrible and it should be moved to March. It has the least "magic", hard to explain to you I suppose because you are an Aussie and it means a lot to you.

Money has little to do with prestige. The Chinese could build a tennis complex that dwarfs any other tennis complex in the world and host a fifth grand slam event but it wouldn't become the best. Far from it.

Oh and "The Open" is a major golfing touranment held in Britain every year, not a tennis tournament. Talking of The Open, that tournament proves that it isn't just age that matters when talking about importance or prestige. If it did The Open would be the best and most prestigious golf major but it isn't. The Masters and The USA Open are both ahead of it in terms of prestige and importance except maybe for British golfers.

:cheers:

Yes, less pressure. Obviously it is a grand slam event but the one that every player wants to win the least (apart from Aussies) out of the four. That's not a dig at the Aussie open, just a cold hard fact. The timing of the event is also terrible and it should be moved to March. It has the least "magic", hard to explain to you I suppose because you are an Aussie and it means a lot to you.

Money has little to do with prestige. The Chinese could build a tennis complex that dwarfs any other tennis complex in the world and host a fifth grand slam event but it wouldn't become the best. Far from it.

Oh and "The Open" is a major golfing touranment held in Britain every year, not a tennis tournament. Talking of The Open, that tournament proves that it isn't just age that matters when talking about importance or prestige. If it did The Open would be the best and most prestigious golf major but it isn't. The Masters and The USA Open are both ahead of it in terms of prestige and importance except maybe for British golfers.

:cheers:

LOL Could you be any more conceited???

The Open you speak of is actually called The Open Championship or the British Open in the US/Australia and is certainly the most important golf tourney as its played at the home of golf.

Again it would actually be worthwhile conversing with you if you actually knew what you were talking about. But alas.

with a more impressive history than the French Open.

Subjective point of view ! ("longer international history" would be a better term imho)

Anyway, despite this fact, the French Open was a major ATP event long before that the Australian open was... because, among other reasons, of the distance/travel time to Australia.

A major is a major, however you look at it. They get the same amount of ranking points and are equal value when counting slam titles.

Wimbeldon is the title that does seem to be the most prestigious, however it depends on the person. If a person is a clay court fan, they will see the French open as the top event for instance. Other players may look at the French as the odd one out for them, as it is usually dominated by clay courters.

I stand by the AO and the US Open are no less or no more prestigious than each other, and as both are hardcourt events, the similarities are actually quite apparent. They are both successful events, which offer more than just tennis as an attraction also.

Everything is subjective though and so be it if some feel otherwise.

It's pretty easy to get caught up in thinking that the AO is as prestigious as any of the other slams if you live in the city/coutry. That applies to all of them.

In Australia if you're not an avid fan of tennis with access to pay television, you wouldn't even know the French or US Opens were going on. Unless an Australian player was doing well, you would only probably hear about semi finals and finals through news reports. Otherwise, it may as well just be another Masters series. No one gives a shit.

Wimbledon is the only one that makes waves, albeit not very big ones either. A large part of this has to do with the timezone difference between Australia and Europe.

What I'm saying is that these Australian-based posters probably see it as just as prestigious because they are living right in the middle of it. Ask a New Yorker which is more prestigious; or someone in Paris or London. You'll get 4 different answers.

There does seem to be some consensus that Wimbledon is the most prestigious. Just listen to the players fawn over it. But otherwise, most of it will depend on where you live. Consider the timezone difference between Europe and Australia. Europe is tennis' biggest market, and yet the AO couldn't be in a worse timezone if it tried - whereas Paris, London, and even New York, are in user friendly timezones. The big night sessions in AO begin around 9am in Europe. Not a great time, especially during weekdays! Anything before that Europe sleeps through.

So you can also understand how Europeans would think the AO is irrelevant - most of them rarely get to watch it. But serving the European audience isn't what the AO is for. Its designed to serve the Asian continent.

There is no answer to this question, simply because you can't compare them side by side. Though the one thing everyone MUST agree on is Wimbledon. It really is the shit.

What is that glass....stand that is stuck right in the middle of the stands on the main court stadium?

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/4157/log9.jpg

LOL Could you be any more conceited???

The Open you speak of is actually called The Open Championship or the British Open in the US/Australia and is certainly the most important golf tourney as its played at the home of golf.

Again it would actually be worthwhile conversing with you if you actually knew what you were talking about. But alas.

Right, so because I don't agree with your biased Aussie view I don't know what I'm talking about.

No, the British golf major is known here as The Open. http://www.theopen.com/

The Masters is the Wimbledon of the golfing world whether you like it or not. It is the one tournament that the vast majority of golfers would choose if they could only win one major. There may be a few Brits who might say The Open but that's about it. The second choice of most of the players would be the US Open. I'd say The Open would be third choice. The last pick would be that other one, the Aussie Open....I mean the PGA Championship.

I get the feeling that you are somehow offended that the Aussie Open is not regarded as highly as the other three grand slam events. Why? It is a great tournament, no one is denying that and you should be proud of it.

:cheers:

What is that glass....stand that is stuck right in the middle of the stands on the main court stadium?

It's a demountable viewing gallery:

http://www.matherandco.com/work/attractions/wimbledon-centre-court-360/

It's a demountable viewing gallery:

http://www.matherandco.com/work/attractions/wimbledon-centre-court-360/

Nice.

Are we really having an argument over whether the US or Australian or French are the more prestigious? They're all Majors, who cares?

The timing of the event is also terrible and it should be moved to March.


This is just another reason why you have no idea what you're on about. The Open is in the middle of our school holidays and the Australia Day holiday is part of it. March is Grand Prix time and Football season in Melbourne so having the tennis then is silly. It's just part of living in the sporting capital of the planet. As such, being in march we would have less people who could attend, particularly kids. It's our Grand Slam so we'll tell you when it's played.

Besides if the timing is so terrible why are there record crowds set every year??? (I'm sure you'll come up with some dopey know it all reason)

This is just another reason why you have no idea what you're on about. The Open is in the middle of our school holidays and the Australia Day holiday is part of it. March is Grand Prix time and Football season in Melbourne so having the tennis then is silly. It's just part of living in the sporting capital of the planet. As such, being in march we would have less people who could attend, particularly kids. It's our Grand Slam so we'll tell you when it's played.

Besides if the timing is so terrible why are there record crowds set every year??? (I'm sure you'll come up with some dopey know it all reason)

Domestically that time of the year is perfect for Australia. I think what he meant was more about the international audience, the Aus Open TV audience would be directed more towards Asia. Due to the time of year and the time difference people in Europe (which does to an extent seem to be the hot bed of Tennis) don't get to see the Aus Open on TV or aren't as aware of it that it's taking place. Wimbledon tends to get the most exposure on TV, then The French and US. That's just from my experiences. But obviously things would be different to people based in different locations around the world.

Are we really having an argument over whether the US or Australian or French are the more prestigious? They're all Majors, who cares?

+1, they are all equal in most peoples eyes, but what is undeniable is Wimbledon is the most important and the one the fans and players respect the most.

This is just another reason why you have no idea what you're on about. The Open is in the middle of our school holidays and the Australia Day holiday is part of it. March is Grand Prix time and Football season in Melbourne so having the tennis then is silly. It's just part of living in the sporting capital of the planet. As such, being in march we would have less people who could attend, particularly kids. It's our Grand Slam so we'll tell you when it's played.

Besides if the timing is so terrible why are there record crowds set every year??? (I'm sure you'll come up with some dopey know it all reason)

No, you've just proved that you have no idea what you are talking about. I'm not saying it should be moved to March because of tennis fans, it should be moved for the players sake. Countless tennis players, and ex-pros, have all said it is played at a ridiculous time of the season. For your information I also believe Wimbledon should be moved two to three weeks later on to give more time after the French Open. The fact that Wimbledon sells out is a ludicrous reason as to why it shouldn't be moved.

"Sporting capital of the world"? The only thing I watch in Melbourne, indeed Australia, is when England play the Ashes. No other sporting event interests me, they are just regional attractions. Do you want to add up worldwide TV audiences to see if Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world?

It might be "your" Grand Slam and "you" might tell us when it's played but it's the only Grand Slam that I don't watch so it doesn't matter to me when it's played. I have zero interest in it on a personal level, I was thinking of the players, you were thinking of yourself.

:cheers:

For the players sake? You mean, those who come each and every year, regardless of when it's played?

Either way, it's not going to change any time soon. Nor does it really matter whether 'you' watch it or not.

Rafa said some nice words about the tournament in his speach, some very nice words. :)

It might be "your" Grand Slam and "you" might tell us when it's played but it's the only Grand Slam that I don't watch so it doesn't matter to me when it's played. I have zero interest in it on a personal level, I was thinking of the players, you were thinking of yourself.

:cheers:

I was actually thinking... Could you be the biggest, most conceited wanker on this forum??? I came up with a YES.

I was actually thinking... Could you be the biggest, most conceited wanker on this forum??? I came up with a YES.

Thanks, I take that as a compliment from an Aussie.

:cheers:

Rafa said some nice words about the tournament in his speach, some very nice words. :)

Certainly goes against what a certain person on here says, in his concern for the players and the lack of interest they must have about the AO. Poor him :lol:

This match just further solidified the AO's status as an event, along with the fact that nearly 700,000 people attended the 2 weeks. Massive achievement, with a large foreign supporter base coming to watch it. If you don't have an interest in it you may well be the odd one out these days.

It's just part of living in the sporting capital of the planet.

LOL, You Victorians are a funny breed, it amazes me how much of your own bullsh1t you believe. Here is a news flash, Melbourne is not the sporting capital of the world, no matter how much Eddie or Jeff says it.

And it regards to the non Australian posters who are stating that the AO comes 4th out of the majors, they are correct. Here is another news flash, Australia is a great country, but it is a world backwater and generally irrelevant.

^^ Good for you. Grass must be greener elsewhere? :lol:

Btw, us Victorians just know what's a good thing. We just love that it rattles others to feel so passionate against it. It's all too much fun :)

My favourite GS are the australian open and I'm from Europe
great atmosphere on the pitch but also outside thanks to the most chilly and colorful fans, great organisation and beatiful, modern stadiums. And for the players it's the most enjoable GS.

http://static.sportingopinions.com/wp-content/uploads/Australian-Open-2011.jpg

http://www.extradeportes.com/futbol-f1-tennis/panoramic_vodafone_arena.jpg

http://d.yimg.com/i//ng/sp/eurosport/20100124/25/49ce313092319a7e10694f996346e054.jpg


French Open and especially US Open need to change something and look at the Aussie Open. It's no more 80's or 90's. If you live in past others will overtake you like Aussie Open. Modernize your stadiums or build new one. And for god sake build roofs, especially in New York where it rains a lot in september and on harcourt you can't play at all when it rains.

Arthur Ash is an overseized stadium which divide the people into the one who have money for the good seats and the normal one who need a binocular. :ohno::ohno::ohno:Typical american stadium which is NOT build for everyone. Due to this it lacks a lot of atmosphere when it's not full. And normally it's only sold out in the men-final. Compare this to Wimbledon Centre Court or Rod Laver Arena:banana:
http://www.whitegadget.com/attachments/pc-wallpapers/76150d1315978663-us-open-us-open-images-gallerys.jpg

to French Open: Well there is the idea to move away from Rolland Garros because there is no place. I hope they find a good solution and stay in Paris. I love the tennis on clay with the special atmosphere.
The idea of moving from Paris to Madrid is not a bad one. The spanish dominate on clay and imagine a GS-final in Madrid with Nadal or another spanish. It would be incredible, but i have no problem with Paris where always is a passionate atmosphere


The idea of a GS in China is nightmare. Asians can't play tennis, never will and don't understand this sport. Just leave it with the 4 current GS.

*Arthur Ashe

If you think Ashe Stadium lacks atmosphere then you clearly haven't been there for any night sessions. The place is electric and players have commented it on it being the loudest and most energetic venue there is for the night sessions. It's fantastic. That's not a shot at any of the other places either because I think they all do "their thing" well. They all have their own character and Ashe's build and excitement fits the US Open's thing the same way Centre Court fits Wimbledon's and Laver fits the Aussie's.

I think Australians should be just happy that the country has a grand slam tournament. It could go to Asia in the future but currently it's in Australia. Ranking the tournaments makes little sense. All I know is that whenever a player wins the Australian open they look incredibly pleased which seems to be the only issue.

As for the timing, December with the cricket and christmas sales would be ridiculous. March is problematic for reasons already shown. February is pretty much the same climate wise. Regardless, the climate of Melbourne in January is about 25 degrees on average. The climate of New York in late August-September is similar, around 24-25 degrees, so similar accusations should be leveled against New York.

The idea of a GS in China is nightmare. Asians can't play tennis, never will and don't understand this sport. Just leave it with the 4 current GS.

Li Na ring a bell?

Maybe a bit more, but all of the grand slams are really passionate and full of atmosphere! Lets not be guided by certain aspects like stadium design which implies tribunes distance to players, capacity, roof and acustics (wether its indoors when closed or outdoors like RG or US Open), colors and textures, and so on...

I think Australians should be just happy that the country has a grand slam tournament. It could go to Asia in the future but currently it's in Australia. Ranking the tournaments makes little sense. All I know is that whenever a player wins the Australian open they look incredibly pleased which seems to be the only issue.

As for the timing, December with the cricket and christmas sales would be ridiculous. March is problematic for reasons already shown. February is pretty much the same climate wise. Regardless, the climate of Melbourne in January is about 25 degrees on average. The climate of New York in late August-September is similar, around 24-25 degrees, so similar accusations should be leveled against New York.

Maybe it has something to do with Australia's contribution to Tennis. Australia has won the Davis Cup 28 times (only 4 less than the USA), is again second to the USA in Fed Cups won and has provided many legends (Male and Female) of the game. If on court legacy has anything to do with the honor of hosting a Grand Slam then Australia is more worthy than all nations bar the USA and more so than the UK and France.

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/8766/img6364v.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/img6364v.jpg/)

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/1473/988954688894fee2d33o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/840/988954688894fee2d33o.jpg/)

I think Australians should be just happy that the country has a grand slam tournament. It could go to Asia in the future but currently it's in Australia. .

It would be an international disgrace if it went to Asia.

Considering Australia's history with Tennis.Considering the contributions of the great champions in Slams,Davis Cup etc that Australia has provided.
I cannot see how you regard Australia should be just happy that we host a Grand Slam.Our great history in Tennis gives us some right.

Li Na ring a bell?

Well there are 3 chinese player and 1 japanese on the female tour and with Nikishori only one asian on the men tour.

I hear the thing that the chinese and indian will rise in tennis and football since the 90's. I have nothing against master in Shanghai, Tokio or the other atp-location like Beejing, Kuala Lumpur or another city but i think the 4 gs-places do very well and 5 are too much.
It's not all about the money and as long as there are so few asian professionals on the tour, it makes no much sense to me

Australian Open is a brilliantly tournament with all new facilities being built to ensure the safety of the tournament and to preserve the history of the tournament. Australia has provided countless champions who have gone on to win countless grandslams. Australia is just as important to the world of tennis as pasta is to Italy. Stop trying to diminish its grandeur.

If you think Ashe Stadium lacks atmosphere then you clearly haven't been there for any night sessions. The place is electric and players have commented it on it being the loudest and most energetic venue there is for the night sessions. It's fantastic. That's not a shot at any of the other places either because I think they all do "their thing" well. They all have their own character and Ashe's build and excitement fits the US Open's thing the same way Centre Court fits Wimbledon's and Laver fits the Aussie's.

Yeah it's the loudest because the american fans are the loudest. But also during the point :lol:

I wrote, that it lacks atmosphere when it's not full or special game. I look a lot of tennis matches and in my opinion the atmosphere is clearly the poorest.But also i remember some great matches, especially with Agassi, Federer and Sampras when the thing was packed with a great atmosphere.

C'mon even as an american you have to admit that this stadium could have done much better. I think a roof could improve the atmosphere, because it will create a closer atmosphere and the loudness stay more in the arena

Aussie Open is a grand slam so it has equal status to all slams. Naturally Aussies will think their slam is the best. And those citizens from the other slam cities/countries will think the same. But from reading some of the other posts it does show some truth in what my thoughts were. I think what alot of non Australians posters are trying to say from their perception (and this is mainly from the international media) they do not get enough exposure of the AO to give it the same status as the other slam. In Europe obviously we would focus on the French and Wimbledon, it also helps with the fact they are the only slams played on grass and clay. So in a way since they are on different surfaces they don't have to compete. Wimbledon is so synonymous with Tennis it didn't even have to change it's name to The 'UK Open' like the others. Then in the States the US open is seen as the big one and would always want to show they are 'the' best hardcourt slam.

It's just the way it is in Europe unfortunately (and this is not an attack on the Aus Open as it's a great slam) it does tend to get the least exposure and attention in the media (at least where I am). However it doesn't change anything, the Aus Open is a Grand Slam like the others.

I don't think there is an Australian out their that see's the Aus Open as the say the most Prestigious, That is without doubt Wimbledon.

I do agree with your perception of exposure where the other 3 Grandslams are are in far more friendlier locations for the Eurpoean Market.

Most Aussie's would see the Aus Open on par with the US Open, Wimbledon at the top and the French Open as a unique 2nd or on the same level as the Aus, and US.

What Aussie's don't like is claims that somehow we are less worthy of having a Grand Slam or that it is poor cousin of the other 3 when it consistantly gets record crowds, has healthy revenue, facilities the equal of all the others, a great distinct atmosphere and is enjoyed by the players.

So though the 4 Grandslams are all "equal" there is clearly a first among equals.
Most Aussie's will see like this.

Wimbledon
-
French Open
Aus and US Open

-
Or
-

Wimbledon
-
French, Aus and US Open

I'm saying this as an Aussie who doesn't give a shit about watching Tennis and don't remember the last time I watched it of TV or chose to read about it in the paper (though I don't mind playing it).

^^+1. This is how I see it, and I don't really give a toss about tennis either.

Aussie Open is a grand slam so it has equal status to all slams. Naturally Aussies will think their slam is the best. And those citizens from the other slam cities/countries will think the same. But from reading some of the other posts it does show some truth in what my thoughts were. I think what alot of non Australians posters are trying to say from their perception (and this is mainly from the international media) they do not get enough exposure of the AO to give it the same status as the other slam. In Europe obviously we would focus on the French and Wimbledon, it also helps with the fact they are the only slams played on grass and clay. So in a way since they are on different surfaces they don't have to compete. Wimbledon is so synonymous with Tennis it didn't even have to change it's name to The 'UK Open' like the others. Then in the States the US open is seen as the big one and would always want to show they are 'the' best hardcourt slam.

It's just the way it is in Europe unfortunately (and this is not an attack on the Aus Open as it's a great slam) it does tend to get the least exposure and attention in the media (at least where I am). However it doesn't change anything, the Aus Open is a Grand Slam like the others.

I think the Oz open probably gets the most exposure in Asia though. I've been in Asia when the Oz open was on and it was all over the TV.

The fact is that it is hard for most australians to pay attention to the US and Wimbeldon opens because they are on so late/early in the morning and obviously the reverse is true

Novak Djokovic said after the Aussie Open final, that it was the most important win in his career more important than his first wimbledon title in 2011.

Yes of course Wimbledon is still more prestigous but his statement shows that the Australian Open are not far away from Wimbledon.

I think the risen quality of the tournament made it more prestigous for the players and fans.

Novak also said that Wimbledon was his favourite moment because "every kid grows up dreaming of winning Wimbeldon". Wimbledon...then the rest. AO is nowhere near Wimbledon. Wimbledon's proximity to Europe - the sports hotbed - will always make it more prestigious than some place on the other side of the world.

The fact is that it is hard for most australians to pay attention to the US and Wimbeldon opens because they are on so late/early in the morning and obviously the reverse is true

Rubbish, I'm a kiwi and I never had any problems watching any of the other Opens, they are all shown on tv.

Of course they're shown on TV... :nuts:

The Wimbledon final last year started at 11pm (GMT+10) - that's fairly late at night. Considering the average person has to work the next day, they're not going to sit up until 3-4am watching the tennis.

^^ Couple of points on all this Aus Open stuff - first of all I went and it was excellent. Really well laid out park plus I got to see Murray, Federer and Nadal practice which made my bloody day! The weather was warm and it was a great atmosphere. I also love the fact it is so close to the city and the Yarra.

Secondly, it seems to me that tennis stars are a bit like rock stars with their praise of venues or cities. Wherever they are playing they pay lip service to the locals telling them they are the best fans and they love playing there, it's unique etc. I think Wimbledon is the most prestigious and although I'm British, I don't think I'm being biased but I don't care if I'm corrected on that one.

Lastly, I really don't get why they had five setters starting at 7.30 in the evening especially on a Sunday night. There must have been some seriously tired tennis fans at work the Monday morning. I fell asleep half way through many of the matches that I really wanted to see.

Some pics & renderings of the future expansion, the refurbished Court Central & the new Court n°1 :

Current site
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/9782/a075d6040secucopie2.jpg

Expansion & the new Court n°1 (5,000 seats)
http://img864.imageshack.us/img864/7162/a075d6040aeriennerendu1.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7408/1825919d38ceace461c11e1.jpg

Refurbished Court Central (15,000 seats + retractable roof)
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1963/image2011021413549474co.jpg

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/2682/leprojetdunouveaucourtc.jpg


-------------------


The whole current site:
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/3998/siteactuelcopie.jpg

Future site:
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/1669/schemadirecteurcopie.jpg


Some details:


http://www.sport24.com/var/plain_site/storage/images/tennis/roland-garros/roland-garros-les-serres-d-auteuil-vont-etre-epargnees/12591801-1-fre-FR/Roland-Garros-les-serres-d-Auteuil-vont-etre-epargnees.jpg
http://medias.francetv.fr/cpbibl/url_images/2012/02/03/image_72338415.jpghttp://medias.francetv.fr/cpbibl/url_images/2012/02/03/image_72338437.jpg
http://medias.francetv.fr/cpbibl/url_images/2012/02/03/image_72338334.jpghttp://medias.francetv.fr/cpbibl/url_images/2012/02/03/image_72338394.jpg
http://medias.francetv.fr/cpbibl/url_images/2012/02/03/image_72338474.jpg


PS: A retractable roof on the Court Suzanne Lenglen (10,000 seats) is also planned, but later.


----------------


Bonus (the video presenting the redevelopment):
xg3019_le-projet-d-extension-de-roland-garros_news



More pics & info in the Roland Garros thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=870426)

^^Remind me when they will start the works, please ;)

^^ Honestly I don't know exactly because there are many oppositions (that's why I thought your question was sarcastic ;)) to this expansion into the protected botanic garden (where the future Court n°1 will be located). But officially they say that the opening is planned for 2017.

Cool! http://www.collegefun4u.com/track.php?u=4

Will look great ! thx!

Somebody has pics of Caja Magica's smurf clay?

Can someone pls. provide me a large detailed aerial map/schema/model/diagram of Caja Magica tennis complex in Madrid?

I'm having difficulty accessing the info available at "madrid-open.com" (website of not so much the facility but the tournament that's held there)