Tennis Stadiums [Archive] - SkyscraperCity

Jack Rabbit Slim

February 20th, 2006, 04:23 PM

You've probably seen then before but...well, just for the heck of it, I'll post a few glimpses of the world's most famous tennis stadiums, at Wimbledon:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/2002/wimbledon/news/2002/06/19/mens_prvw_archive/wimbledon.jpg

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/albums/userpics/10001/wimbledon_centre_court.jpg

http://wwp.wimbledon-uk.com/church-road/all-england-lawn-tennis-club/wimbledon-tennis-centre-court.jpg

http://www.foreign-press.org.uk/images/Wimbledon%20Centre%20Court2.jpg

http://www.worldstadia.com/data/images/z/j/zjim041207162812.jpg

http://wimbledon.willhill.com/millenium_bg.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/images/2005/08/25/120_234x320.jpg

http://www.wimbledon.feellondon.co.uk/Images/tennis/wimbledon/wimbledon_courts_2a.jpg

:cheers:

Its AlL gUUd

February 20th, 2006, 04:26 PM

Nice thread idea Bubomb

Noostairz

February 20th, 2006, 04:46 PM

wimbledon might be the most historic and best known but this has got to be one of the best actual stadiums:

arthur ashe stadium, NY, USA:

http://jamesmuspratt.com/images/131.jpg

JimB

February 20th, 2006, 04:49 PM

Jack Rabbit Slim - I presume that the third picture down is a render, showing how Centre court would look once capacity is increased (to 15,000?) and a sliding roof installed?

JimB

February 20th, 2006, 04:51 PM

wimbledon might be the most historic and best known but this has got to be one of the best actual stadiums:

arthur ashe stadium, NY, USA:

http://jamesmuspratt.com/images/131.jpg

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.

DrJoe

February 20th, 2006, 05:14 PM

Rexall Centre in Toronto

http://www.tenniscanada.ca/tenniscentre/english/constructiongallery/images/118.jpg

http://www.tenniscanada.ca/tenniscentre/english/constructiongallery/images/122.jpg

http://www.tenniscanada.ca/tenniscentre/english/constructiongallery/images/124.jpg

Montreal has a pretty good one also.

Its AlL gUUd

February 20th, 2006, 05:19 PM

^^those stadiums are big but thats all really (including the arthur ash)

mauritius gunner

February 20th, 2006, 06:15 PM

Jack Rabbit Slim - I presume that the third picture down is a render, showing how Centre court would look once capacity is increased (to 15,000?) and a sliding roof installed?

I think there are pictures on the Wimbledon website.
There are also plans to rebuild court number 2 to approx 6000 capacity
All part of Wimbledon's long term strategy, including London 2012.
You never know, Maybe Andy Murrey will win by then!

Biggest stadium is Arthur Ashe I think, 19,000

Jack Rabbit Slim

February 20th, 2006, 06:33 PM

Jack Rabbit Slim - I presume that the third picture down is a render, showing how Centre court would look once capacity is increased (to 15,000?) and a sliding roof installed?
Yep! Looks awesum don't it? I don't know a lot about the extension, but I think it is said to be aiming for completion in 2009.

While the Arthur Ashe stadium and the Rexall Centre are both nice stadiums, they both look a bit...well...bulky...hard to explain really....it's like they arn't really suited to tennis, like someone decided to build seats around a centre point, then stuck a tennis court in the middle. Imo, neither have very much grandeur, prestige, atmosphere or passion about them like Centre court or Court No 1 at Wimbledon, which look perfectly suited to tennis, and only tennis.

There is also the matter of the court surface itself. Both the US and Australian open have hard courts (Australian open has a synthetic hard court) which, while still being pretty decent, isn't as high a quality as the faster, unique grass courts of Wimbledon. Though even these hard cement courts are better then clay ones (used in the French Open), which are slow, horrible to play on and look at, and mess up you're shoes/socks and clothes somethin awful!

:cheers:

Its AlL gUUd

February 20th, 2006, 06:38 PM

^^ Absolutely agree about the Arthur Ashe and Rexall Centre, just big stands really

JimB

February 20th, 2006, 06:41 PM

There is also the matter of the court surface itself. Both the US and Australian open have hard courts (Australian open has a synthetic hard court) which, while still being pretty decent, isn't as high a quality as the faster, unique grass courts of Wimbledon. Though even these hard cement courts are better then clay ones (used in the French Open), which are slow, horrible to play on and look at, and mess up you're shoes/socks and clothes somethin awful!

That's very much a matter of opinion. Some players don't like the variable bounce of grass courts. Nor do they like the speed of the court. Let's face it, a Wimbledon match between two guys serving at 130-140 mph can be very dull indeed, with hardly any rallies. It seems that most players from Spain, South America and France prefer clay court tennis.

Some players prefer hard courts.

And only a few prefer grass courts - though pretty much every player wants to play at Wimbledon.

As to the Flushing Meadow, it may not have the same aura of tradition as at Wimbledon but I'm sure that it still has a unique and exciting atmosphere all of its own.

Andaluz

February 20th, 2006, 08:42 PM

A tennis court inside "La Cartuja Stadium" in Sevilla (Spain).

Final Davis Cup 2004: Spain vs USA

http://www.tinthethao.com.vn/images/images408488_cartuja.jpg

http://www.deporteandaluz.com/copadavissevilla2004/img/panoramica_grada.jpg

http://telva.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/album/2004/12/03/cartuja-efe.jpg

http://www.daviscup.com/shared/medialibrary/image/gallery/DC_3497_gallery.JPG

http://www.aquatherm.es/paginas/referencias_archivos/image011i.jpg

bubomb

February 20th, 2006, 09:11 PM

wimbledon might be the most historic and best known but this has got to be one of the best actual stadiums:

arthur ashe stadium, NY, USA:

http://jamesmuspratt.com/images/131.jpg

This is the best so far. I'm not interested in history or prestige or atmosphere (fans make atmosphere, not stadiums). I simply want to see what is the most impressive physical structure. Wimbledon is nice, but it is a bit boring for me and too green!! I'm not that keen on green stadiums (nothing to do with celtic, I just don't think green stadiums look pleasant to the eye).

Any more tennis stadiums? Something a bit different with a bit of spice?

kingdomca

February 20th, 2006, 10:12 PM

Centre court, Wimbledon is really the best there is. I would say its the best sports stadium of all if looked at what a specific venue does for a sport. It lifts tennis more than any venue lifts any sport, I think, which is great for tennis as ,like all individual sports, it isnt great to watch too often in my opinion though good to play.

The atmosphere is unique. From being able to hear a pin drop before a point to very loud moments after.

Arthur Ashe is poor, I think.
Its just too big for tennis to quote a big american tennis reporter and i think its right. There has to be some sort of connection between the size of the "field" and stands.
It seems people are very detached from the game in the upper sections and the atmosphere is more that of a shopping mall with people just talking through points most of the time

2zanzibar

February 21st, 2006, 12:09 AM

hang on folks! what about Roland Garros?

It certainly produces the most exciting tennis, and is situated in the heart of Paris; rather than out in the dull suburbs of SW London (I should know, I lived in Wimbledon for a bit!)
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/grandchelemtennis/photos%20roland.htm

rantanamo

February 21st, 2006, 12:41 AM

so basically you guys are saying, cut off the top tier of Ashe and it would be great? or take out the suites?

Its AlL gUUd

February 21st, 2006, 12:42 AM

Arthur Ashe for a physical structure is massive for a tennis stadium, but it doesn't suit tennis. The biggest isn't the best.

JimB

February 21st, 2006, 01:13 AM

hang on folks! what about Roland Garros?

It certainly produces the most exciting tennis

Again, that's a subjective judgement. Some people find the long, baseline rallies that are common in clay court tennis to be fascinating. Others find them excessively boring.

Whatever floats your boat.

But I agree that Roland Garros is right up there with Wimbledon and Flushing Meadow for stadiums. What's the capacity of the main court? Looks to be a bit bigger than Centre court. The second and third best courts also look to be quite big. Any more pictures of them? The ones in your link only show the main court properly.

JimB

February 21st, 2006, 01:16 AM

so basically you guys are saying, cut off the top tier of Ashe and it would be great? or take out the suites?

I can't speak for the others. I only asked a question. The Arthur Ashe court is certainly impressive but, having never been there, I wanted to know what it's like for watching tennis. You can only ever get a rough impression from a photograph but, from the photo on this thread, it seems to me as though it might be difficult to follow the ball from the top tier.

Grollo

February 21st, 2006, 01:29 AM

Its AlL gUUd

February 21st, 2006, 01:34 AM

JimB

February 21st, 2006, 01:45 AM

BobDaBuilder

February 21st, 2006, 01:59 AM

Been to Wimbledon, and Melbourne. I like Wimbledon because of the traditions and the natural turf. However due to the massive interest in the tournament and the huge populations of London and Europe there are drawbacks.

At Wimbledon, get up around 5am, spend about 6 to 8 HOURS in a queue, pay and get to see Junior doubles and if you are REALLY lucky see maybe the mixed doubles of some names you may have heard of.

Melbourne is just simply far more practical. You can walk from the city in 15 mins or take a train or tram. If you cannot be bothered just drive and park in the car park.
You can actually pay your cash at the counter on the day, after lining up for about 5 minutes, waltz in and see Roger Federer, Hewitt, Roddick, Henman, Hingis, etc..etc.. without any problems. The beer costs MORE than at Wimbledon however which is a crime in a city which has more beer than fresh water. Comes down to Melbourne being about as far from anywhere as you can get in the world and the Oz Open is the distant 4th grand slam.

HoldenV8

February 21st, 2006, 05:35 AM

Some Australian tennis centres.

Sydney Tennis Centre
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7199/sydneytenniscentre0040sa.jpg

Memorial Drive, Adelaide
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7514/memorialdrive0059xw.jpg

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (Australian Open Final venue)
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/666/rodlaverarena0401ks.jpg

Vodafone Arena, Melbourne
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/5606/vodafonearena0306cv.jpg

Burswood Dome, Perth (Hopman Cup)
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4392/burswooddome0023th.jpg

There are others that I don't have decent photo's of as yet such as Kooyong in Melbourne & White City in Sydney.

Noostairz

February 21st, 2006, 06:01 AM

let's not forget though that tennis is rubbish. :hahano:

alexx02

February 21st, 2006, 06:14 AM

This is the best so far. I'm not interested in history or prestige or atmosphere (fans make atmosphere, not stadiums). I simply want to see what is the most impressive physical structure. Wimbledon is nice, but it is a bit boring for me and too green!! I'm not that keen on green stadiums (nothing to do with celtic, I just don't think green stadiums look pleasant to the eye).

Any more tennis stadiums? Something a bit different with a bit of spice?

I've been to Arthur Ashe 7 times. It is the least intimate and most boring tennis stadium. The fans are miles away from the court, everything is over-priced, and the crowd noise is lost. It has shoddy construction, you feel like you are being gouged while you are there...it pales in comparison to some of the other stadiums...even at the US Open.

HoldenV8

February 21st, 2006, 07:33 AM

Arthur Ashe Stadium seems, in pictures and on TV at least, be be a fine stadium but I personally think that it would be better off with a full roof and a basketball court rather than a tennis court. It does seem more like a basketball stadium than a tennis venue.

Rod Laver arena was a technical marvel when first opened back in 1988. Now its got some history behind it at least.

Roland Garross is second only to Wimbledon for Grand Slam Tennis character.

Wimbledon. Best by far for history and character. But its not the best tennis stadium around.

I personally don't know which would be the best actually. They all have their good and bad points.

bubomb

February 21st, 2006, 09:48 AM

These stadiums all just look like "Plastic" stadiums which are very similar around the world, the ones at wimbledon and roland garros have character, and wimbledon for me has the best atmosphere. some may say atmosphere has nothing to do with architecture but the stadium is what determines atmosphere.

I would say it's the crowd that determines atmosphere. 10000 people chatting and not making much nosie will sound the same whether it is Wimbledon or Arthur Ashe. The crowd cheer at Wimbledon because they are enjoying the match and the occasion. I very much doubt the crowd say to each other - 'My god, what great architecture for a tennis stadium, YYYEEEEAAAAAAHHH CCCCCCMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOONNNNNN, this stadium design is making me right up for this!!'

bubomb

February 21st, 2006, 09:52 AM

I've been to Arthur Ashe 7 times. It is the least intimate and most boring tennis stadium. The fans are miles away from the court, everything is over-priced, and the crowd noise is lost. It has shoddy construction, you feel like you are being gouged while you are there...it pales in comparison to some of the other stadiums...even at the US Open.

Surely only some of the fans are far away? The bottom 2 tiers looks as close as any other tennis stadium!!

Obviously the more tiers you add to a tennis stadium the further away the crowd will be on these additional tiers. But surely it is better to have a third tier with the crowd further away than not to have this tier at all. At least this way fans will get to see the match. It is better to see the match with a poorish view than not see it at all!!

NavyBlue

February 21st, 2006, 10:09 AM

I would say it's the crowd that determines atmosphere. 10000 people chatting and not making much nosie will sound the same whether it is Wimbledon or Arthur Ashe. The crowd cheer at Wimbledon because they are enjoying the match and the occasion. I very much doubt the crowd say to each other - 'My god, what great architecture for a tennis stadium, YYYEEEEAAAAAAHHH CCCCCCMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOONNNNNN, this stadium design is making me right up for this!!'
I agree . . . there have been many Davis Cup ties over the years at smaller and less attractive venues that have had better atmosphere than the four grand slam venues.

Jutcho

February 21st, 2006, 10:40 AM

What about Roland Garros? They're planning to build an indoor court as well.

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/grandchelemtennis/photo%20rg%20b.jpg

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/grandchelemtennis/photo%20rg%20bi.jpg

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/grandchelemtennis/photo%20rg%201.jpg

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/grandchelemtennis/Roland%20Garros.jpg

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/grandchelemtennis/stade%20roland%20garros.jpg

ExSydney

February 21st, 2006, 11:44 AM

A tennis court inside "La Cartuja Stadium" in Sevilla (Spain).

Final Davis Cup 2004: Spain vs USA

http://www.tinthethao.com.vn/images/images408488_cartuja.jpg

Putting a tennis court into an athletics stadium enabled the Spanish to actually break the World Record attendance(around 26,000) for an official tennis match.
It was previously the 1954 Davis Cup tie in Sydney at the Old White city venue.
http://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/photos/whitecity_old.jpg

Giorgio

February 21st, 2006, 12:01 PM

Athens Tennis Centre
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/3392/543284ld.jpg

kingdomca

February 21st, 2006, 02:00 PM

Surely only some of the fans are far away? The bottom 2 tiers looks as close as any other tennis stadium!!

Obviously the more tiers you add to a tennis stadium the further away the crowd will be on these additional tiers. But surely it is better to have a third tier with the crowd further away than not to have this tier at all. At least this way fans will get to see the match. It is better to see the match with a poorish view than not see it at all!!

No its not. The space of the venue grows with more tiers and the sense of being disconnected spreads.
Imagine they lowered the court and used it as a 30,000 capacity table tennis venue. Would that be great for table tennis. Hardly.

These details matter quite a lot. and atmosphere matters. No one goes to a big restaurant with lots of tables lined up in straight lines. It doesnt even exist. Everyone would prefer the small crowded atmospheric place. Its the same for sports though different for different sports.

I think tennis requires a small venue because the playing area is small and also because its a slow sport, less easy to get involved in the game. I would say 10,000 is almost too big but thats the good thing about Centre court, Wimbledon, it "hides" people under the roof so it appears smaller.

But of course it also matters how the game is followed and thats where the US open really lets itself down and becomes unwatchable.

Scba

February 21st, 2006, 09:14 PM

The Melbourne complex seems the best, I don't care about prestige or history.

bubomb

February 21st, 2006, 10:14 PM

No its not. The space of the venue grows with more tiers and the sense of being disconnected spreads.
Imagine they lowered the court and used it as a 30,000 capacity table tennis venue. Would that be great for table tennis. Hardly.

These details matter quite a lot. and atmosphere matters. No one goes to a big restaurant with lots of tables lined up in straight lines. It doesnt even exist. Everyone would prefer the small crowded atmospheric place. Its the same for sports though different for different sports.

I think tennis requires a small venue because the playing area is small and also because its a slow sport, less easy to get involved in the game. I would say 10,000 is almost too big but thats the good thing about Centre court, Wimbledon, it "hides" people under the roof so it appears smaller.

But of course it also matters how the game is followed and thats where the US open really lets itself down and becomes unwatchable.

If I was a tennis fan I would rather watch the game from the top tier than not getting a ticket and not seeing the game at all!!

10000 great seats + 4000 poor seats is better than 10000 great seats.

DiggerD21

February 22nd, 2006, 12:21 AM

Hamburg's Tennis stadium with retractable tent roof and a capacity of 13.300 spectators.
http://www.ttv-tennis.de/rotherbaum2.jpg
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/germany/hamburg/hamburg_rothenbaum1.jpg
http://homepage.hamburg.de/redaktionhh/sportstadt/rothenbaum4.jpg
http://www.bo-hightex.de/images/rothenbaum%20bw.jpg

Its AlL gUUd

February 22nd, 2006, 12:28 AM

can anyone find any pictures of tennis being played at the Royal Albert Hall??????

BobDaBuilder

February 22nd, 2006, 01:55 AM

Ten or so years ago I saw OZ play a Davis Cup tie against France in an old Roman Amphitheatre in the town of Arles in southern France built in the 1st century AD. The same one as seen in 'Ronin' starring Robert De Niro and the delicious Natasha McElhrone. :P

They use it for bullfights("French style" where the bull lives) still today so they have built some modern scaffolding for spectators to hang above the old terracing.

For tennis they just plonked down the clay.

Oz lost from memory. We are rubbish on clay/"tout en cas" in Froggie I believe.

The town of Arles certainly have had a good return in investment on that stadium. 1900 years of use at least. As the towns largest tourist attraction, they still get use out of the arena today.

brummad

February 23rd, 2006, 06:02 PM

http://www.themasterstennis.com/images/press/pressimages/masters_court_big.jpg

a rather nice and intimate one lol

Its AlL gUUd

February 23rd, 2006, 11:25 PM

^^ Aren't there better pics then that?(thanks for trying)

dave8721

February 24th, 2006, 05:42 PM

One of the better non-grand slam courts:
Crandon Park Tennis Center. Home of the NASDAQ-100 Open on the tropical paradise of Key Biscayne a couple of minutes from Downtown Miami. Built in 1992 the stadium court seats 14,000.

http://www.tennisroundup.com/events/2002/2002Nasdaq-100%20Open/Gallery%2010/Stad2938.jpg

http://images.nasdaq-100open.com/crandon_p/site_map.jpg

http://www.grandslamtennistours.com/images/photos/Nasdaq.jpg

http://www.tennisroundup.com/events/2002/2002Nasdaq-100%20Open/Gallery%201/1F5C0017.jpg

http://www.tennisroundup.com/events/2005/2005_Nasdaq-100/2005%20Nasdaq-100%20Gallery%201/DayWebsiteTenRndUp/129_%20Nasdaq_323.JPG

View from the grandstands:
http://www.tennisroundup.com/events/2004/2004_Nasdaq-100/2004%20Nasdaq-100%20Gallery%201/UploadWeb322/1F5C4599.JPG

SkyLerm

February 24th, 2006, 06:08 PM

Good stadia
:okay:

AdidasGazelle

March 11th, 2006, 04:23 AM

Surely only some of the fans are far away? The bottom 2 tiers looks as close as any other tennis stadium!!

Obviously the more tiers you add to a tennis stadium the further away the crowd will be on these additional tiers. But surely it is better to have a third tier with the crowd further away than not to have this tier at all. At least this way fans will get to see the match. It is better to see the match with a poorish view than not see it at all!!

You are a retarded, bigoted dolt.

Ask all the tennis legends including Mcenroe, Becker, Borg, Connors, Sampras, Agassi, Federer, King, Navratilova, Graf et al which is the best tennis stadium in the world.

bubomb...your opinion doesn't count when all these agree that the centre court at WIMBLEDON is the BEST tennis court in the WORLD.

Now take your anti-English viewpoints elsewhere because you are a bore. You INFEST any thread on here that contains an English stadium because you are OBSESSED. Mind, that's a porridge-wog affliction. :cheers:

easysurfer

March 11th, 2006, 05:16 PM

I love a good game of tennis. What about the Stella Artois tournament, London. The main stadium has a certain character about it. I have to say Wimbledon has the best tennis stadiums and grass is the most pleasing surface on the eye. This is especially so with the sun beaming down on it. The garish clay red surface of Rolland Garros makes it a ugly to watch to watch and in my opinion the matches can be quite boring. Anyway, here are photos of the stellas artois tournament which i hope to go to this year. I wouldn't mind seeing this guy (Andy Roddick) live in action as well. :)

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/easysurfer/stella2000-1.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b314/easysurfer/_39165082_trophy_getty.jpg

www.sercan.de

March 11th, 2006, 05:30 PM

Arthur Ashe Stadium is maybe by far the biggest one
capacity: 22 547
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/new_york/f_meadows_ashe1.jpg

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/new_york/f_meadows_ashe2.jpg

Quintana

March 11th, 2006, 09:57 PM

There are plans to build this tennis stadium in the town of Amersfoort (not far from Amsterdam) for The Dutch Open. It seats about 9000:

http://static.mediamatic.nl/f/wzdr/image/1287-770-526.jpg

Welly

March 11th, 2006, 10:46 PM

Spank

March 12th, 2006, 02:39 AM

^haha, yeah keep on thinking that!

Jonesy55

March 12th, 2006, 03:04 AM

Spank

March 12th, 2006, 02:44 PM

Thats not quite true. The BBC sometimes show semi or final matches of some tour events if Murray or Henman ever reach them.

CharlieP

March 12th, 2006, 04:47 PM

The stupid thing about tennis in the UK is that everybody is so obsessed with Wimbledon that nobody cares about any other tournaments. For the other 50 weeks of the year it may as well not exist then for two weeks all the wannabees get their tickets and ponce about. Only the French Open gets coverage outside of Wimbledon fortnight, maybe a couple of highlight programmes for the US and Aussie tournaments but otherwise it's satellite at 3am.

Bullshit. The BBC cover the Stella Artois tournament in depth, as well as the Nottingham and Eastbourne tournaments, and have full live coverage of Great Britain's Davis Cup matches. They also cover the Australian, French and US Opens, and if that's not enough for you, just about every other ATP event is shown on Sky Sports...

Giorgio

March 12th, 2006, 04:54 PM

Australian Open is the best anyway.

NFLeuropefan

March 13th, 2006, 02:21 AM

It's fitting that the US Open, as the world's biggest tennis tournament, has the world's biggest and best tennis stadium. That is one awesome arena. I think I'll pay it a visit this month. Anyone know if you can take a tour?

Actually I've heard it's a shithole. Sports Illustrated had an article a few years ago just ripping it apart... I don't know, I've never been there, might be nice.........

dunwyn

March 15th, 2006, 03:30 PM

Wimbeldon is world class due to it's history. As for new stadiums, only Rod Laver Arena cuts the mustard!, for both spectators and players.

My dream is to use Telstra Dome (Docklands) for the Davis Cup. The seats on ground level can be moved closer to the action. A crowd of over 55,000 indoors.

CharlieP

March 16th, 2006, 12:31 PM

My dream is to use Telstra Dome (Docklands) for the Davis Cup. The seats on ground level can be moved closer to the action. A crowd of over 55,000 indoors.

Yes, the seats can be moved closer, but if they won't do it for the Rugby World Cup or Commonwealth Games (because the AFL are so bloody precious about hurting the pitch), I can't see it ever happening...

dunwyn

March 17th, 2006, 01:23 PM

CharlieP

I totally agree. Though, what grass!!!. There is more mud. I hate the stadium for footy, I always goto the G to watch footy.

I am impressed with the crowds at the rugby 7's

Wezza

March 22nd, 2006, 10:47 AM

Can you imagine sitting up the back of the stands here??
http://telva.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/album/2004/12/03/cartuja-efe.jpg:eek:

m@rco

March 22nd, 2006, 09:52 PM

Ten or so years ago I saw OZ play a Davis Cup tie against France in an old Roman Amphitheatre in the town of Arles in southern France built in the 1st century AD.
It was in 1991 in NIMES (16,300 seats) ! http://www.arenesdenimes.com/ :
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/france/languedoc_roussillion/nimes_arenes.jpg

The same one as seen in 'Ronin' starring Robert De Niro and the delicious Natasha McElhrone. :P.
Yes, you are right, it's in Arles (14,000 seats). ;)
http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/france/provence_alpes_cote_azur/arles_arenes1.jpg

They use it for bullfights("French style" where the bull lives) still today so they have built some modern scaffolding for spectators to hang above the old terracing.
"French style" is like "Spanish style" where the bull dies.
May be you should mix up with Portuguese bullfights !?

The "Féria" in Nîmes:
http://www.vincent-formica.com/Corrida_a_Nimes_I.jpg

Oz lost from memory. We are rubbish on clay/"tout en cas" in Froggie I believe.
????
Do you mean "Terre battue" ?

m@rco

March 22nd, 2006, 10:12 PM

Bercy (POPB) in Paris (17,000 seats) :
http://www.wsc.ma.edu/dept/mfl/images/palaisomnisport-bercy.jpg

http://www.cyberlan.com.br/eswc06/BERCY-TENNIS.jpg

Palais des Sports in Lyons (6,500 seats):
http://biomserv.univ-lyon1.fr/sitelabo/plans/plan_doua/photos_diverses/palais_des_sports.jpg

Horst

March 25th, 2006, 01:08 PM

Wimbledon is a synonym for an important sport event as Wembley is for an important venue.
But best tennis stadium is one that allows playing tennis during rain.
For example Rod Laver Arena and Hamburg Rothenbaum.

AZBaKuCiTy

December 14th, 2008, 02:52 PM

a small tennis stadium complex is going to be built in Baku, Azerbaijan

it is not bad i think because tennis is not popular in Azerbaijan.

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/7664/115ys2.jpg

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/865/116rr9.jpg

PaulFCB

December 14th, 2008, 03:31 PM

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.

US Open Final 2001 from the top seats ( really hard to get tickets there ).
As much as I remember i didn't have problems with the view, the seats were positioned well in the middle and the final was a blast as Sampras was squashed by Safin.

Kame

December 14th, 2008, 03:40 PM

Few more pics from Hamburg:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/109/315108185_c9502c495d_b.jpg
flickr (http://flickr.com/photos/pehdie/315108185/)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6915/10932954gd0.jpg
panoramio (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/10932954)

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7388/3361441al5.jpg
panoramio (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/3361441)

SpicyMcHaggis

December 14th, 2008, 08:35 PM

GNU

December 14th, 2008, 10:23 PM

Has this been posted yet?

Gerry-Weber-Stadion, Halle, Germany

cap.12.300

http://www.gerryweber-open.de/db_mediapool/20080710151922_stadion_bilder.jpg

Bobby3

December 14th, 2008, 11:20 PM

I wish Charlotte had a classy tennis stadium

mrsavi-pas

December 14th, 2008, 11:23 PM

Umag Tennis Center, Croatia
beautiful. only thing that is missing is roof.

New York City 20??

December 15th, 2008, 03:19 AM

Beijing Olympic Green Tennis Center:

http://img1.cache.netease.com/catchpic/E/EA/EA6B5C318F0B4FF2BFCBF166405F5F56.jpg
Center Court, Showcourt #1, and Ground Courts

http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/4227/tenniswi2.jpg (http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/6574/0606790100vq6.jpg)
Center Court, Capacity - 10,000

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/6133/io29210galleryve4.jpg
Center Court, Capacity - 10,000

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2332/0606790200lg1.jpg
Center Court, Capacity - 10,000

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/4986/io29211galleryiu1.jpg
Showcourt #1

It looked better during the Games - it was decorated, much more colorful.

Arist

December 15th, 2008, 03:44 AM

Where is the monstrosity that Dubai plans on building? I figured they would have built one or planned to build one by now.

KingmanIII

December 15th, 2008, 05:27 PM

Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells, California
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/411967689_d2800b8dd3.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2121404583_133b4b40be_o.jpg

Outdoor NBA preseason game between the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets, October 11, 2008
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2937579182_9512a53374_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2937572770_54d9b9cf5a_b.jpg

KingmanIII

December 15th, 2008, 05:40 PM

Home Depot Center Tennis Stadium, Carson (Los Angeles), California
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/76/209868934_5370041e29_b.jpg

kazetuner

December 15th, 2008, 06:42 PM

nobody posted the one where the Masters Cup is held, the "Shanghai Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center"?

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/8386/oslo28et.jpg

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/1659/oslo16mp.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2038592477_7b21d75c5b_b.jpg

npmrsi

December 15th, 2008, 07:04 PM

Some more german stadiums

Porsche Arena, Stuttgart (6,181)
http://e.imagehost.org/0976/porsche.jpg

Rochus Club, Düsseldorf (10,000)
http://e.imagehost.org/0879/rochusclub_25475e_02.jpg

Centre Court, München/Munich (4,800)
http://e.imagehost.org/0990/BMW.jpg

Steffi-Graf-Stadion, Berlin (7,000)
http://e.imagehost.org/0281/Steffi_Graf.jpg

www.sercan.de

December 15th, 2008, 08:56 PM

+8,000

Arthur Ashe Stadium New York 22.547
Main Stadium Indian Wells 16.100
Court Philippe Chatrier Paris 15.166
Tennis Center Stadium New Haven 15.000
Qi Zhong Stadium Shanghai 15.000
Rod Laver Arena Melbourne 14.820
Multipropósito Parque Roca Buenos Aires 14.510
West Side Tennis Club New York 14.000
Centre Court London 13.810
Rothenbaum Hamburg 13.300
Tennis Center at Crandon Park Miami 13.200
Rexall Centre Toronto 12.500
Stade Uniprix Montreal 12.000
Number 1 Court London 11.429
Gerry Weber Stadion Halle 11.000
Vodafone Arena Melbourne 10.500
Lindner Family Tennis Center Mason 10.500
Family Circle Tennis Center Charleston 10.200
Court Suzanne Lenglen Paris 10.068
Louis Armstrong Stadium New York 10.000
International Tennis Centre Sydney 10.000
Estadio La Raza Medellín 10.000
Court Central Estoril 10.000
Olympic Green Tennis Centre Beijing 10.000
Rochus Club Düsseldorf 10.000
Tennis Center Indianapolis 8.500
Olympic Tennis Centre Athens 8.300
Tennis Center Delray Beach 8.200
White City Tennis Centre Sydney 8.000
Tennis Center Stone Mountain 8.000

RMB2007

December 15th, 2008, 09:21 PM

The Centre Court at Wimbledon is now 15.000.

wearethefuture

December 15th, 2008, 09:25 PM

nobody posted the one where the Masters Cup is held, the "Shanghai Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center"?

http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/1659/oslo16mp.jpg

The stadium is out of this world, really beautiful yet practical at the same time.

KingmanIII

December 16th, 2008, 02:12 AM

BobDaBuilder

December 17th, 2008, 12:14 AM

Melbourne Park is at least 16,000. So that would make it number two after New York/Flushing Meadows.

Even the 2nd stadium at Melbourne holds at least 10,000

www.sercan.de

December 17th, 2008, 12:53 AM

http://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/stadiums.php?id=97

14,820

weava

December 17th, 2008, 03:46 AM

Only tennis complex I've ever seen is Cooper Tennis Complex, center court has seating for 2500. Home of the World Team Tennis Springfield, Mo Lasers
http://www.springfieldlasers.com/images/cooperTennisAerialNW.jpg

hockson

January 22nd, 2009, 09:07 PM

Hey Can some one help me out by providing the documentation of wimbledon or Arthur Ashe Stadium.

hockson@gmail.com

kichigai

January 23rd, 2009, 02:15 AM

http://www.theage.com.au/national/brumby-to-dig-deep-to-secure-open-20090117-7jlv.html?page=-1

Brumby to dig deep to secure Open
Cameron Houston
January 18, 2009

MELBOURNE is poised to retain its most coveted major event — with the State Government set to announce an agreement with Tennis Australia to keep the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

Under the deal, Melbourne Park would undergo a multimillion-dollar redevelopment. That would thwart a bid by Sydney to snatch the grand slam tournament from Victoria, while fending off international raiders from Shanghai, Madrid and Dubai, which have expressed keen interest.

The extension of the current agreement — which expires in 2016 — is expected to be finalised within weeks. As a precursor to the release of the new deal, Premier John Brumby is expected to announce a master plan for the Melbourne Park precinct during the second week of the Australian Open. The tournament begins tomorrow.

Senior State Government sources told The Sunday Age that the Government had agreed to a list of demands by Tennis Australia to keep the Open in Melbourne.

A $2 million master plan by the State Government has recommended a substantial overhaul of Melbourne Park, which is more than 20 years old and has slipped behind international standards. The redevelopment would include a museum, new administration facilities, a media centre and substantial improvements to player facilities. An elite training centre is also expected to be built.

The Government is believed to be considering the demolition of Rod Laver Arena, which would be replaced by a bigger stadium with improved corporate facilities and a faster-moving roof.

The redevelopment of Melbourne Park is estimated to cost about $300 million, according to one Government source, and would involve major changes to the MCG precinct, Brunton Avenue and the Jolimont rail yards.

The Government is also believed to have negotiated a new financial arrangement with the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, which would see Tennis Australia receive a larger slice of revenue from the annual event.

While the event attracted crowds of more than 600,000 last year and contributes an estimated $100 million to Victoria's economy, the Australian Open faces growing pressure to retain its grand slam status, held since 1968.

The increased prestige and prize money of Shanghai's Tennis Masters Cup and the Dubai Open have fuelled local concerns, while several international players have expressed frustration over the staging of the Open in January and the tournament's substandard facilities.

Tennis Australia chief executive Steve Wood confirmed a business case study for the precinct had been completed, but said a contract extension had not been signed.

"In relation to the deal (to extend Melbourne's contract), that is about to unfold, but there is still some water to go under the bridge.

"What has become clear throughout the process is that it's time for Melbourne Park to be refurbished and refreshed … which is obvious to anyone who has visited the site recently," Mr Wood said.

He said the contract could be extended for up to 30 years to justify the Government's significant investment in the redevelopment.

A spokesman for Major Events Minister Tim Holding said the Government was determined to keep the Open in Melbourne and was still negotiating with Tennis Australia and Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust.

"Having the best sporting and major events facilities and venues is a key part of why Melbourne is regarded as a sporting capital of the world," the spokesman said.

Ganis

January 23rd, 2009, 02:40 AM

BobDaBuilder

January 23rd, 2009, 02:55 AM

As if Sydney would get it. They had it up at White City stadium in Sydney in the 1970s and hardly anyone turned up. So the LTA at the time threw up their hands and took it to Melbourne permanently.

They got 64,000 on Wednesday, a record attendance at any slam/tennis event in history.

I doubt Asia will ever get a slam, they don't have any decent players.

WeimieLvr

January 23rd, 2009, 12:09 PM

Stone Mountain Tennis Center, Atlanta...1996 Olympic tennis venue.

Photo taken from the top of Stone Mountain
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/353285380_80b44cf83e_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttclett/353285380/sizes/o/

Andre Agasi in action during the 1996 Olympics
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/2292204204_f9d856c79c.jpg?v=1204125762
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24157765@N06/2292204204/

WeimieLvr

January 23rd, 2009, 12:19 PM

Stadium at Key Biscayne, FL...host of the Sony Ericsson Open

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/101/282388859_a126595462.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/susanlee828/282388859/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/101/282389311_866b52ce57.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/susanlee828/282389311/in/photostream/

WeimieLvr

January 23rd, 2009, 12:21 PM

Steffi Graf Stadium, Berlin...host of the German Open.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/224/502514716_d74d46dd5f.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gigharmon/502514716/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/502514708_167e305e22.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gigharmon/502514708/in/photostream/

WeimieLvr

January 23rd, 2009, 12:34 PM

Indian Wells Stadium, Palm Springs CA...2nd largest tennis stadium in the world.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2386/2353820198_682a572850.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vchen/2353820198/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/50/113349698_99a276fea0.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/61351815@N00/113349698/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/2346051333_04cef9c34d.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/debstah1/2346051333/

WeimieLvr

January 23rd, 2009, 12:41 PM

Daniel Island Tennis Center, Charleston SC...host of the Family Circle Cup

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/2510344412_e3f62588b8_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tendolab/2510344412/sizes/l/in/photostream/

New York City 20??

January 23rd, 2009, 11:04 PM

I doubt Asia will ever get a slam, they don't have any decent players.

China has decent players. Not enough to generate a Slam' obviously, but they do have the capacity to become a major force in tennis and in many other sports as well.

Jim856796

January 23rd, 2009, 11:43 PM

Good news is the Australian Open is going to be kept in Melbourne. Bad news is the Rod Laver Arena is going to die. We cannot demolish a retractable roof stadium. Have there been any stadiums with a retractable roof that have been torn down?

Fabrega

January 24th, 2009, 08:31 AM

They are building one in madrid "caja magica" it will hold 12000 in the largest court, its almost complete, is one of their best installation for the 2016 olympics bid.

Livno80101

March 16th, 2009, 02:52 PM

Umag Tennis Center, Croatia

http://www.ezadar.hr/repository/image_raw/8473/large/

http://www.hikenow.net/images/Umag/thumb/UmagTenis.jpg

http://www.barkun.hr/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_umag~0.jpg

http://www.app-umag.com/umag_edited.JPG

http://www.campanatour.cz/fotogalerie/photos/umag/umag-01.jpg

the most beautiful tennis complex in world, most beautiful place in ATP (CROATIAN COAST) and beautiful stadium

AJMO NAŠI, AJDE ČILIĆU UZMI UMAG 2009

ReiAyanami

March 16th, 2009, 03:11 PM

Athens Olympic Tennis center
http://diocles.civil.duth.gr/links/home/museum/construc/oaka/oaka7.jpg
http://www.stadia.gr/oaka/tennis.jpg
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/3392/543284ld.jpg

Livno80101

March 16th, 2009, 03:55 PM

Athens Olympic Tennis center
http://diocles.civil.duth.gr/links/home/museum/construc/oaka/oaka7.jpg
http://www.stadia.gr/oaka/tennis.jpg

I watced at couple of your buildings. Good, spur on. Do you make stadiums

manila_eye

March 21st, 2009, 12:12 AM

Livno80101

March 21st, 2009, 12:56 AM

now look at this :nuts: :nuts:

this is possible venue for Davis Cup match Croatia-USA :nuts: :nuts:

ancient Roman gladiator Arena in city of Pula, clay court, 12,000 capacity

:banana2:

http://www.pula-online.com/images/articles/ArenaIzZraka-440.jpg

http://regionalexpress.hr/images/uploads/x_arena12.jpg

http://www.metro-portal.hr/img/repository/2008/04/web_image/arena4-230408_0.jpg

http://www.kompas-travel.com/dmc/slike/505arena2-pula.jpg

it would be the most beautiful tennis stadium in history, and you just can imagine how would Cilic, Ancic, Karlovic, Roddick, Blake, and Bryans would feel, like gladiators 2000 years ago

Mekky II

March 21st, 2009, 12:21 PM

SpicyMcHaggis

March 21st, 2009, 12:33 PM

Arena of Nîmes already did it twice, the second time, the arena was fully covered with high-tech roof (and so was removed safely next). :) Got pics of that?

This in Pula would be great but some people already started complaining how temporary stands might destroy something there... strange how it doesn't bother them when concert are there :bash:

Martounet

March 21st, 2009, 01:06 PM

roland garros:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/fr/8/82/Roland_garros_logo.png

http://www.sportweek.fr/commun/n510x/ab/plan-future-expansion-roland-garros.jpg

http://www.linternaute.com/sport/magazine/photo/40-stades-vus-du-ciel/image/stade-roland-garros-a-paris-345954.jpg

http://www.survoldefrance.fr/photos/highdef/8943.jpg

philippe chatrier central court

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7784/p1030214x.jpg (http://img3.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1030214x.jpg)

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1387/rolandgarrosstadiumin20.jpg (http://img3.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rolandgarrosstadiumin20.jpg)

suzanne lenglen court

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1360/img0010k.jpg (http://img3.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0010k.jpg)

http://adamsfamily.romandie.com/get/10287/313090-Photo%20028.jpg

voilà! :banana:

i love tennis, and roland garros and wimbledon are my favourite tournements. i think both are complementary, because there're so different one to another. two great atmospheres, great history... melbourne park and flushing meadows are great too, but more "common", even if great atmosphere. wimbledon center court is like the "cathedrale" of tennis, arthur ashe the largest and most impressive stadium, philippe chatrier center court the most "corrida" atmosphere, and the rod laver arena is currently the most modern stadium.

HUSKER

March 21st, 2009, 07:22 PM

Damn!!!., Roland Garros is breathtaking., !!! just beautiful!!!., For me its the temple of sports.

parcdesprinces

March 21st, 2009, 09:30 PM

Got pics of that?

This in Pula would be great but some people already started complaining how temporary stands might destroy something there... strange how it doesn't bother them when concert are there :bash:

In the Beautiful Stadiums thread :

Old roman Amphiteatres
Arles, France
Opened 80-90 AD
Capacity: 14,000 (25,000: original capacity)
Bullfighting, concerts.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3390/3335479615_520392c7ce_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3335578441_d77e96b54c_o.jpg

Nîmes, France
Opened 90-120 AD
Capacity: 16,300 + movable cover (25,000: original Capacity)
Bullfighting, tennis, concerts.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3335770680_62faa989e6_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3340937397_b949156a79_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3341015569_48e5485b53_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3335673713_786f487f02_o.jpg

Martounet

March 21st, 2009, 11:44 PM

wimbledon

http://www.tenis-tas.com/es/images/page_upload/11/Image/ll.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6660/wimbledonn.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wimbledonn.jpg)

central court, smooth and great atmosphere in a green suburb

http://www.gifttrap.com/images/Wimbledon.JPG

the year before the new roof was built if i remember well

http://www.allwaysexecutive.com/images/wimble.jpg

hubemx

March 22nd, 2009, 12:12 AM

Mextennis Stadium. Home of the Mexican Open in Acapulco.
http://ejecutivo.mundoejecutivo.com.mx/images/upload/bahia-clara20.gif
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f151/germandiego/mextenis%202006/panoramicaestadio2.jpg

This is the proposal of the new stadium and tennis complex.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7WVg2sXMN94/Ra0dRu9R9II/AAAAAAAAAAc/DtHG_ktm95A/s400/maquetamextenis2008.JPG

mattie!

March 22nd, 2009, 05:25 AM

Australian tennis stadiums.

Brisbane: Pat Rafter Arena - 5,500
http://www.thegabba.org.au/graphics/images/overall%5B3%5D.jpg

Melbourne (AO): Margaret Court Arena - 6,000 (behind it is showcourt 3)
http://www.mopt.com.au/ResourceImage.aspx?raid=3958

Adelaide: Memorial Drive Park - 6,000
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7514/memorialdrive0059xw.jpg

Perth: Burswood Dome - 8,000
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/2841912.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193CC300C081D9F47003EF3B47FC2DBB841C5B0E23CB822AE28E30A760B0D811297

PROPOSED: Perth: Perth Arena - 14,000
http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2007/01/26/knPERTH_ARENA_wideweb__470x252,0.jpg

Melbourne: Kooyong Stadium - 8,500
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2007/2177242319_08b76eff39.jpg

Sydney: Ken Rosewall Arena (Olympic Tennis Center) - 10,500
http://www.petermeyerblind.com.au/gallery/images/foldingarm18.jpg

Melbourne(AO): Hisense Arena - 11,000
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3224385557_626c8bb6a4.jpg

Melbourne(AO): Rod Laver Arena - 14,820
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01249/rod-laver-arena-ep_1249257i.jpg

Tennis is a big thing her in Australia! :)

Overview of Melbourne Park Complex where the Australian Open is played.
http://taheny.com/IMG_4471_melbourne_park_view_500x281.JPG

Martounet

March 22nd, 2009, 07:15 PM

flushing meadows

http://www.thirteen.org/queens/images/site_pic8a.jpg

http://www.sico-unlimited.com/images/flushing.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/3359/arthurashestadiumusopen.jpg (http://img440.imageshack.us/my.php?image=arthurashestadiumusopen.jpg)

BobDaBuilder

March 23rd, 2009, 04:09 AM

Wimbledon is lovely, I just wish we got Melbourne back on grass. Good old Santa Ana couch would work a treat and has good durability.

With the technology available now there is no reason why it couldn't. You could theorhetically replace every court with fresh turf everyday.

Not to mention that it gives our own player's a better shot at being champions again.

Loranga

March 23rd, 2009, 12:29 PM

Mpol

March 23rd, 2009, 01:27 PM

I love all of the grand slams for various reasons. What is so awesome is that each slam captures the essence of each city/country.

The Australia Open is new, with the crowds from all over the globe adding to a relaxed, uber fun and very fresh and modern take on tennis. Very Australian. The tennis centre is very up to date (and getting a make overin the coming years.) Bright colors complement the vacinity, and it really has a theme park vibe what with all the attractions.

Roland Garros is stunning and uzes sophistication. The crowds are loud and French. Booing is a coming occurance and it makes for potencial bull fights as players not only have to battle their opponent but the people in the stands! The elegant complex suits this stunning slam so perfectly, the red clay being complemented perfectly by the teal green.

Wimbledon is sublime and regal in every sense of the word. Dark greens and light lush grass smatter the complex. The dark purples, whites, greens and golds perfecly reflect the torunament's prestigous history. Crowds are polite though have become louder with every passing year. Very English. And the main stadiums feel as though they could only ever host a tenis tournament.

The US Open. It is very NYC. Blue, red and white is seen all over the tournament's complex, enhancing just how YANK the place really is. Bosting some of the biggest tennis stadiums in the world, the crowds sound as though they have just come from a baseball game. Music inbetween changes overs, only adds to the wicked night sessions. Love that it is set within industry complexes and is near Queens. Very Urban!

I can't pick a favorite slam. And architecture/complex wise, I love them all for their unique reasons.

Loranga, the courts went from a rebound ace surface to a syntheic hardcourt, hence the cahnge to blue. Now I guess they match the new blue signing. Before KIA was the main sponsor and the courts and back drops were all green, the royals blue Ford backdrops didn't really fit the lime green court. I like the new sky blue colour scheme a lot!

BobDaBuilder

March 25th, 2009, 01:48 AM

They changed the colour of the courts at Melbourne 2 years back because they changed the supplier of the courts for a better speed court and overall effects, like comfort, heat absorbtion etc. and the decision was to go blue because it was better looking apparently. Purely on athestics.

Back when they built the Melbourne Park facility, the plan was to bring in grass courts but due to costs and because the clay courters cannot play on grass they decided to go with the hard court.

In my book, the game is Lawn Tennis and should be played on turf. Imagine if they shifted football to a hard surface? Ridiculous. Also, as a keen player NOTHING beats playing on grass. It is a real pleasure to play on it. I hate the other surfaces. Problem is you can only play on it when the grass is in season. In southern Oz we can get on for about 5 months a year and they close it for maintenance.

I blame the American influence on the game. They are always looking to cut corners on costs. You could imagine what they would have done to cricket if they didn't get into baseball. Thank heavens for baseball!

en1044

March 25th, 2009, 02:04 AM

Yeah, grass would be great! Another question, why did they change the court color from green to blue?

Its easier to see the ball

archie4

April 19th, 2009, 06:54 PM

Here are some photos of the Monte Carlo Country Club, home to this weeks Monte Carlo Masters 1000 event. This has to be one of the most picturesque tennis courts in the world!
http://www.rolex.com/en/media/images/world-of-rolex/sports-culture/events-tennis/monte-carlo.jpg
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/04/22/sports/22tennis.1.600.jpg

KingmanIII

April 19th, 2009, 09:15 PM

Mo Rush

April 20th, 2009, 10:37 AM

Cape Town, South Africa: Tennis Centre Proposal

http://web.capetown.gov.za/WCMS/images/1122008132311.jpg
Site: Marked D on the graphic

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc40/andresannman/100_5288.jpg
Site: To the bottom left

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/3-11.jpg
Site: Top right of urban park

Mo Rush

April 20th, 2009, 10:42 AM

anybody have seating plans/section plans for the athens or sydney tennis stadia?

ReiAyanami

April 20th, 2009, 01:57 PM

Sorry I couldn't find any. Here is a panoramic of the main court:
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/3662512.jpg
Huge version:
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/3662512.jpg

Jim856796

April 21st, 2009, 09:16 AM

There are actually plans for a tennis arena in Cape Town nar the GreenPoint Stadium? I hope the arena has an over 8,000-10,000 capacity. And they should throw in two smaller competition courts.

NeilF

April 22nd, 2009, 12:44 AM

Seems that the roof on Wimbledon's Centre Court is (almost) complete:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8010511.stm

parcdesprinces

April 22nd, 2009, 01:05 PM

There is a project for covering Roland Garros' Central Court (from 2010), before the opening of the new one with retractable roof (maybe in 2012).

http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/depeches/sports/20090409.REU5295/tennis_jean_gachassin_dans_le_vif_du_sujet_a_la_fft.html

Fabrega

April 22nd, 2009, 04:05 PM

I haven't seen it on here, is still u/c is the spanish olympic bid tennis stadium has 3 main courts with roofs that open, the central court has capacity for 12500. The name "la caja magica' the magic box. I luv the roof and the interior looks very modern.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5517/cajamagica09.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cajamagica09.jpg)

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5733/cajamgicapanoj.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cajamgicapanoj.jpg)

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/1513/panoramicapistacentral.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=panoramicapistacentral.jpg)
pic by nachong

WeimieLvr

April 23rd, 2009, 03:25 AM

en1044

April 23rd, 2009, 03:53 AM

So you think Americans are to blame for a switch to hardcourts at the Australian Open? :lol: Good God.

Dont worry. Some people will try to use anything to criticize Americans. Apparently the destruction of the game of tennis is our fault now too.

skyperu34

May 6th, 2009, 05:48 PM

I love tennis ! The Phillipe Chatrier is so cool ! But the Arthur Ashe realy impresses me a lot because of those high tribunes... Cool pics !

oldirty718

May 6th, 2009, 09:25 PM

Athens Olympic Tennis center
http://diocles.civil.duth.gr/links/home/museum/construc/oaka/oaka7.jpg
http://www.stadia.gr/oaka/tennis.jpg
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/3392/543284ld.jpg

Two more pics:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0f/POT-Tennis2.jpg

http://www.oaka.com.gr/uploads/tennis_04b.jpg

Diego Logon

May 8th, 2009, 02:20 AM

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x31/jnoelcarvalho/1_20080927142222.jpg

Goiânia - BRAZIL

Training Center of Brazilian tennis players

Aícha

May 8th, 2009, 02:58 AM

Morocco Casablanca - Complexe Al-Amal

The Complexe Al Amal is a tennis complex in Casablanca, Morocco. The complex is the host of the annual ATP Tour stop, the Grand Prix Hassan II. The stadium court has a capacity of 5,500 people.

http://photosmaghreb.canalblog.com/images/maroc2335.JPG

http://photosmaghreb.canalblog.com/images/maroc2310.JPG

Fabrega

May 8th, 2009, 08:27 AM

The magic box in Madrid Spain, is almost complete :), some more landscaping, clean the pond water and a few more stands for those courts outside.

The metallic skins looks cool at nigth sense the ligth from the inside shine throu. But its alot more impresive with the roofs open.
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4982/900x1.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=900x1.jpg)

Some pics of the inside. One of the most modern tennis stadiums i seen, even the red seats look cool, they are translucent by the way. Perfect venue for madrids 2016 olympic bid. :cheers:

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2351/900x.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=900x.jpg)

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1755/900x3.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/my.php?image=900x3.jpg)
pics by Mo rush

city_thing

May 8th, 2009, 12:10 PM

^^ That stadium is beautiful.

city_thing

May 8th, 2009, 12:15 PM

parcdesprinces

May 8th, 2009, 06:13 PM

You have no idea how happy I am that I live in a city that hosts one of the world's four Grand Slams :)

Paris, London, New York and Melbourne are in an exclusive club. I can't wait 'til next year's Australian Open.

Indeed, very exclusive !

In Paris, we are afraid to lose this status, because many other tournaments, like Madrid Masters, could become a Grand Slam instead of Paris....
That's why Roland Garros, is going to expand with a new centre court.

olaf

May 10th, 2009, 11:53 PM

This stadium is to be built for the panamerican games in the city of Guadalajara Mexico. The construction will start this year. Cap. 3,000.

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/9710/tenis1no2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/tenis1no2.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img211/tenis1no2.jpg/1/)
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/tenis3rw2.jpg/1/w400.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img211/tenis3rw2.jpg/1/)
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/tenis3ra5.jpg/1/w400.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img224/tenis3ra5.jpg/1/)
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/8582/centrodetenis0061md7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/centrodetenis0061md7.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img211/centrodetenis0061md7.jpg/1/)
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/2633/centrodetenis0051td0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/centrodetenis0051td0.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img211/centrodetenis0051td0.jpg/1/)

skyperu34

May 21st, 2009, 05:22 AM

The GDL tennis stadium looks very nice ! The roof of the magic box is impressive, thx for the pics !

Ecological

May 21st, 2009, 10:10 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3541204667_b6c8111358_o.jpg

Federicoft

May 21st, 2009, 04:00 PM

The Foro Italico, seat of the Rome Masters (Internazionali d'Italia), arguabily the most prestigious clay tennis tournament in the world after the RG.

General view:
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/9789/2652878213cbcc3fe336b41.jpg (http://img195.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2652878213cbcc3fe336b41.jpg)

Old Stadio Centrale (cap. 10.000)
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/426/2796847468850daa96a9b43.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2796847468850daa96a9b43.jpg)

Stadio della Pallacorda (cap. 3000)
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4526/3231972356e8d07c48f8b45.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3231972356e8d07c48f8b45.jpg)

The Centre Court was demolished in 2008 to make room for the new stadium, which is currently u/c and will be inaugurated for the 2010 edition.

Rendering of the new stadium:

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3104/resizeimg48da6996cdb844.jpg (http://img43.imageshack.us/my.php?image=resizeimg48da6996cdb844.jpg)

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6153/nuovostadiocentraletenn.jpg (http://img40.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nuovostadiocentraletenn.jpg)

And this was the provisional Centre Court for the 2009 edition:
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7476/n1205757513300885486140.jpg (http://img40.imageshack.us/my.php?image=n1205757513300885486140.jpg)

Other pics:
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2747/campisecondari2664x2004.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/my.php?image=campisecondari2664x2004.jpg)

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/569/pallacorda664x200472295.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pallacorda664x200472295.jpg)

The über-posh Bar del Tennis:
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/5458/ristoranteterrn4772118.jpg (http://img195.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ristoranteterrn4772118.jpg)

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4663/ristoranteterrazza20147.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ristoranteterrazza20147.jpg)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4348/risto4795302.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/my.php?image=risto4795302.jpg)

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/120/barrist34972492.jpg (http://img33.imageshack.us/my.php?image=barrist34972492.jpg)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1295/terrazzapanoramica34801.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/my.php?image=terrazzapanoramica34801.jpg)

Ribarca

May 21st, 2009, 05:15 PM

Nice venue. Monaco is probably 2nd on clay though;).

Federicoft

May 21st, 2009, 05:21 PM

I was expecting this objection. Let's just say it's a dead heat. :)

Ribarca

May 21st, 2009, 05:29 PM

I was expecting this objection. Let's just say it's a dead heat. :)

True, let's call it a tie!

The small stadium with the statues is very funky!

New York City 20??

May 21st, 2009, 10:55 PM

This stadium is to be built for the panamerican games in the city of Guadalajara Mexico. The construction will start this year. Cap. 3,000.

For a second, and before I read this discription, I thought that was Wimbledon's new No. 2 Court: http://www.flickr.com/photos/43555660@N00/3539844507/

HUSKER

May 22nd, 2009, 05:23 AM

Caja Magica is just wonderful!!!., Federer's new home in >Spain just reshaped tennis arquitectural world.- Wimbys new roof is ok, I guess., isn´t too low?? so lobs are going to hit it??

Langers

July 6th, 2009, 10:58 AM

Chimaera

July 6th, 2009, 12:54 PM

Let's compare this to the other Grand Slam sites:

Wimbledon: overall daily ground capacity: 40,000 (before 2009: 36,500)
http://aeltc2009.wimbledon.org/images/about/2009_map.jpg
Center Court: 15,000 (formerly 13,800), retractable roof

Court N°1: 11,429 (old N°1 Court: 7,328)

Showcourt N°2: 4,000 (before 2009: court 13)

Court N°3: 2,990 (770 standing) (before 2009: court N°2 AKA "Graveyard of Champions")

Other showcourts: 4 (800), 18 (788)

Courts 7, 8 (both 250), 12 (1,500), 14, 15, 16, 17 (all 4: 318) and 19 (305) also have stands.

Courts 5, 6, 9, 10, 11: no set capacity

AN EXTRA SHOWCOURT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED (2,000 CAPACITY)

US Open:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/sports/gif/usta-seating-chart.gif
Arthur Ashe Stadium (23,200)

Louis Armstrong Stadium (10,200)

Grandstand (6,000)

Courts 4, 7 and 11: 1,000+

Roland Garros:
http://www.staronetickets.com/images/frenchopenmap.jpg
Court Philippe Chatrier: 14,840
Suzanne Lenglen: 9,959
Court 1: 3,518
Court 2 -- seating capacity of 1,477
Court 3 -- seating capacity of 702
Court 4 -- seating capacity of 294
Court 5 -- seating capacity of 280
Court 6 -- seating capacity of 280
Court 7 -- seating capacity of 780
Court 8 -- seating capacity of 432
Court 9 -- seating capacity of 1,090
Court 10 -- seating capacity of 1,580
Court 11 -- seating capacity of 260
Court 12 -- seating capacity of 150
Court 13 -- seating capacity of 244
Court 14 - seating capacity of 120
(note: I found the above numbers, but they somehow don't seem to correspond with the size of the stands on the plan, the information dates back to 1999)

Projects: retractable roof on Court Philippe Chatrier, extra tennis stadium (16,000?)

NMAISTER007

July 6th, 2009, 12:59 PM

The Wimbledon stadium is the best tennis stadium in the world!!!!

parcdesprinces

July 6th, 2009, 02:21 PM

@ Chimaera: Nice post :cheers:

Additional infos about Roland Garros:

25 courts. (including 5 training courts)

Main courts & projetcs:

New centre court (2014): 14,600, rectractable roof
Court Philippe Chatrier (1927): 14,884 (formerly 16,800), retractable roof in 2012
Court Suzanne Lenglen (1994): 9,959
Court n°1 (1980): 3,792
New indoor courts (2014): 1,000 & 2,500
Court n°2 (1980): 1,500
Court n°3 (1980): 700
+ 15 other courts with temporary stands.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/345/8943copie.jpg

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/7868/image20090514446681625x.jpg

RMB2007

July 6th, 2009, 03:54 PM

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/5024/367402573563f6480eaco.jpg

anacleta

July 6th, 2009, 04:04 PM

Valencia (Spain)

This one is under construction and it will be ready for the Valencia Open 500 (november):

GPt9-2LnNaY

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7623/panorama9.jpg

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/3350/panfromhorta.jpg

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/3483/towermuseumbridgeagora.jpg

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/1737/agorabridgefromhorta.jpg

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/7666/bridgeagoraaqua.jpg

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2932/imgp0247q.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8219/imgp0248b.jpg

anacleta

July 6th, 2009, 04:28 PM

^^

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss88/dutch_mentor/agora5.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss88/dutch_mentor/agora4.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss88/dutch_mentor/agora3.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss88/dutch_mentor/agora2.jpg

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss88/dutch_mentor/agora1.jpg

hkskyline

July 6th, 2009, 06:19 PM

IBM launches Wimbledon smartphone application

LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) - Tennis fans at Wimbledon will be able to keep up with the action using a smartphone application developed by IBM, which it said could transform the way spectators access information at sporting events.

The application, which runs on Google's Android operating system, superimposes real-time statistics and updates from social networking site Twitter, including comments from players, onto a video feed from a handset's camera.

"It's about visualising data in a different way," said Alan Flack, IBM's Client Executive for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), in an interview.

"The trial needs to be fun to improve the experience people have at the tournament.

"By exploring new technologies, we can bring information to life by making it useful, engaging and accessible."

Rob McCowen, marketing director at the AELTC, said the application could change the way people engage with sporting events.

"These smart applications were designed with tennis fans in mind and add a whole new dimension to the event," he said in a statement.

The service, called Seer Android, is being trialled on T-Mobile's G1 mobile phone at the tournament, which started on Monday.

Pointing a G1 phone at a court, for example, would tell the user the court number, details of the current and previous matches and Twitter comments from experts and players, such as Andy Murray and Roger Federer.

IBM, which has been Wimbledon's IT partner since 1990, has also developed a Twitter aggregator, which combines all Wimbledon-based content into one channel, and a data application for Apple's iPhone for the tournament.

CharlieP

July 7th, 2009, 12:36 AM

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/345/8943copie.jpg

I had no idea Roland Garros was so close to Parc des Princes and Jean Bouin...

koolio

July 7th, 2009, 02:12 AM

New York City 20??

July 7th, 2009, 02:51 AM

I think it is fine the way it is. All four countries have well established tennis cultures, tradition, and/or history that adds to the prestige. And they compliment each other well in terms of atmosphere and whatnot.

Langers

July 7th, 2009, 05:34 AM

Thanks for those pics anacleta, looks very interesting and unique.

The French Open would have to have the smallest site of any of the Slams surely? I've been there, not during the tennis but during the month after and I took a tour of the facility. Very nice, clean and green.

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/9527/picture201l.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/9341/picture202y.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7512/picture203v.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7990/picture205w.jpg

KingmanIII

July 7th, 2009, 06:57 AM

KingmanIII

July 7th, 2009, 06:58 AM

Chimaera

July 7th, 2009, 10:19 AM

Valencia: huge building for such a small arena. I wonder how the acoustics will be.
Maybe they can start nicknaming Valencia as "Calatrava City", especially this particular site with the Aquarium and other structures.

Roland Garros: still think the distance between the main French Open site and the location of the new Court Central is too big. Why not sacrifice those hardcourts, replace them with gravel, and build a new stadium where the current courts 12-17 are located? But there probably is a perfectly logical explanation at why they didn't choose this option.

anacleta

July 7th, 2009, 10:35 AM

Valencia: huge building for such a small arena. I wonder how the acoustics will be.
Maybe they can start nicknaming Valencia as "Calatrava City", especially this particular site with the Aquarium and other structures.

Well, Calatrava is from Valencia :)

This building is not built only for the tennis tournament. It will be opened for the Open 500 in november but it will be used for multiple events along the year.

parcdesprinces

July 7th, 2009, 01:02 PM

With so much talent coming out of Eastern Europe, the former soviet states and Russia, I think that region deserves a major of its own ... what do you guys think? Maybe grant the Australian or the French open spot to that region?

Yes and why not US open or Wimbledon :nuts: ???? Because Roland Garros is also very old and very prestigious, and it's, since many years, the favorite tournament of the players !!

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

Roland Garros: still think the distance between the main French Open site and the location of the new Court Central is too big. Why not sacrifice those hardcourts, replace them with gravel, and build a new stadium where the current courts 12-17 are located? But there probably is a perfectly logical explanation at why they didn't choose this option.

Maybe the distance seems a bit too big but not bigger than the distance between Court n°18 and Court n°1.....

About replace current courts by a new central : All of the 25 current courts are NEEDED !!

Any extention into the Bois de Boulogne is not allowed.. And the botanic garden, located between Roland Garros and its new extention, is protected !!!

So........ There is not many many other choices, in fact only one : this one OR A brand new Roland Garros Stadium outside city of Paris, in suburb. But the tradition of this tournament is too important for that !

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7990/picture205w.jpg

Thanks for sharing but your last picture needs to be updated :), because this stand was rebuilt last year :

before :
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3423/08jpgcopie.jpg

rebuilding:
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3927/img4114jpgcopie.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7950/1007335copie.jpg

today:
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/6186/medcourtphilippechatrie.jpg
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/6161/1006647jpg.jpg

More pics of Roland :
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1976/3676585282b5cd4c29bdb.jpg
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8426/3564332919eb672722fbb.jpg
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6228/5296848385e573711e3b.jpg

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/8366/313090photo028copie.jpg
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/955/36005042712e98aeb899b.jpg

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/9162/p06copie.jpg

bonus: Centre Court in the 90's (17,000 seats) :
http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/843/fil13066copie.jpg

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

PS @CharlieP: Yes, this is something like the sports area of City of Paris :) (there is also an indoor arena of Basketball, 5,000 seats)
And it will grow up because : Jean Bouin will be rebuilt (22,000 seats), Parc des Princes will be renovated also and maybe extended (52,000 seats) + The new centre court of RG (15,000)... I live in this quarter and many people here, are very mad about all those new stadiums and expansions.....

map of the projetcs :
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5870/image4ndl.jpg
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4732/image3qrg.jpg

Chimaera

July 7th, 2009, 01:24 PM

If you look at the wider area, you can see even more sports facilities, including two horse racecourses in the Bois de Boulogne. And just west of the RG site (across the roundabout) you can find another 15 clay courts. The arena you are talking about, is it Stade Pierre de Coubertin?

michal_OMB

July 7th, 2009, 03:18 PM

Warsaw

http://www.legialive.pl/zdjecia/09korty_remont1_f4.jpg

http://www.legia.net/img4/09remont_kortow/korty4.jpg

http://blog.zw.com.pl/files/2008/06/fot-1-legia-kort-dudek-jerzy.jpg

anacleta

July 7th, 2009, 03:23 PM

^^
oh! what is that balloon for?

parcdesprinces

July 7th, 2009, 05:53 PM

^^ For indoor games during winter.. We have also a lot of these pressurized airdome in the "rainy Paris", especially on clay courts !

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5192/1566v.jpghttp://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4009/partenariatinnovantcouv.jpg

If you look at the wider area, you can see even more sports facilities, including two horse racecourses in the Bois de Boulogne. And just west of the RG site (across the roundabout) you can find another 15 clay courts.

Yes but I was talking about professionnal sports :)... Because there are also many tennis courts at Stade Jean Bouin/CASG...

The arena you are talking about, is it Stade Pierre de Coubertin?

Yes. :)

Langers

July 7th, 2009, 06:50 PM

Thanks for sharing but your last picture needs to be updated :), because this stand was rebuilt last year :

today:

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/6161/1006647jpg.jpg
Oh yes I know! That was a picture I took while taking a tour of the venue in 2006. The media facilities look a whole lot better now.

nomarandlee

July 8th, 2009, 12:39 AM

The US Open. It is very NYC. Blue, red and white is seen all over the tournament's complex, enhancing just how YANK the place really is. Bosting some of the biggest tennis stadiums in the world, the crowds sound as though they have just come from a baseball game. Music inbetween changes overs, only adds to the wicked night sessions. Love that it is set within industry complexes and is near Queens. Very Urban!

!

Curious. How does that sound?

ntly1

August 5th, 2009, 09:08 PM

Off topic a bit !!

Czech star Berdych says aye to Malaysian Open

KUALA LUMPUR: World number 18 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic is the latest top player to confirm his participation in the inaugural Malaysian Open tennis tournament at the Putra Stadium in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 26-Oct 4.

Berdych has scored wins over some of the biggest names in world tennis including this year’s Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and runner-up Andy Roddick as well as Rafael Nadal, Fernando Gonzalez, Juan Martin Del Potro and Marcos Baghdatis.

In this year’s Wimbledon, Berdych reached the last 16 before he was stopped by Roddick.

Berdych, a five-time winner on the ATP Tour, joins a field that includes two players from the top-10, five from the top-15 and seven from world’s top-20 — Nikolay Davydenko (8), Fernando Verdasco (10), Gonzalez (11), Robin Soderling (12), Gael Monfils (13) and David Ferrer (19).

Two-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one Lleyton Hewitt is also in the line-up for the tournament, which is part of the ATP World Tour and will carry a total prize money of US$947,750.

Said tournament director Nick Freyer: “Berdych’s presence will add glamour to the tournament.”

Freyer also took the opportunity to express his excitement about ticket sales.

“Tickets went on sale only days ago and the initial response has been most satisfying. Even before our advertising campaign has been launched, fans here in Malaysia have embraced the tournament and that’s going to make for a brilliant atmosphere at the Putra Stadium,” he said.

Tickets for the tournament are available through TicketPro (www.ticketpro.com.my) or via their hotline: 03-78807999.

Members of the public can also purchase tickets through TicketPro outlets.

Langers

August 6th, 2009, 08:28 AM

I can't manage to get any pictures of it but the Pattaya Open in Thailand is set in an absolutely magical venue. If anyone could find pics that would be great.

mossimoh

August 6th, 2009, 03:17 PM

The best tennis centre in the world is Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open grand slam tournament:

http://www.mopt.com.au/pages/images/aerial-large.jpg

- Two retractable roof stadiums with seating for 10,500 and 15,000 spectators.
- 3 show courts
- 20 outdoor courts
- 4 indoor courts
- Function centre
- Superb location in the heart of the city next to a tram and train stops
- Attendance of 550,550 people for the 2006 Australian Open.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/rsrc/Images/BirdsEyeView/Yarra-Park.jpg

Wimbledon will always be the traditional and sentimental home of tennis, the US open will always be prestigious, the French Open, well who cares, it's a filler in and archaic still in the 1970s mud courts. The Australian open and Melbourne park is by far the best and most superior from the spectators viewpoint.

parcdesprinces

August 6th, 2009, 08:03 PM

the French Open, well who cares, it's a filler in and archaic still in the 1970s mud courts.

Players do, and that's the most important.... Roland Garros is the favorite tournament of most of players, Roland Garros (with Wimbledon) is the most classy and elegant tennis tournament... And it's the unique Grand Slam played on clay court.

I think you don't know the French Open because the Court Central (opened in 1928), after many renovations/extensions, was entierely rebuilt in its historical Art-Deco style :cheers: between 2006 and 2008 (15,000 seats), Court Suzanne Lenglen (10,000 seats) has opened in 1994 and Court n°1 (4,000 seats) has opened in 1980 !!

The new centre court (15,000 seats, with retractable roof) will open in 2013 (the current centre court will be also covered before 2013), with these new developments, Roland Garros will be the only Grand slam with: three courts over 10,000 seats (two over 14,500 seats with retractable roofs)...

Elegant Roland Garros :):

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/456/35836806384a1445aa21o.jpghttp://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9146/2564322849614cf57da9b.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1249/25321799500dec985317b.jpghttp://img22.imageshack.us/img22/273/35870058248477e6a822o.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7564/370062623573fd38169eb.jpghttp://img195.imageshack.us/img195/221/52968794654ae0d1204b.jpg
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7924/3580748531f0de842834b.jpghttp://img22.imageshack.us/img22/8428/257335796115f205e63bb.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4329/256251576834dfd4ba1o.jpghttp://img81.imageshack.us/img81/324/25625124394f685bb86o.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/4563/57271482733b101062do.jpghttp://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3133/2562514773e0b98faabo.jpg
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2896/2562513888af3777499o.jpghttp://img81.imageshack.us/img81/6420/2562513283cf4e78c5eo.jpg

HUSKER

August 7th, 2009, 05:20 AM

Just marvelous^^^^^^., The French Open grounds are the best in the world., 100 years from now they'll still be a great place to see and play tennis.

BrisbaneROCKS

August 7th, 2009, 05:32 AM

Wimbledon will always be the traditional and sentimental home of tennis, the US open will always be prestigious, the French Open, well who cares, it's a filler in and archaic still in the 1970s mud courts. The Australian open and Melbourne park is by far the best and most superior from the spectators viewpoint.

I'm Australian and all that, but I'm sorry, you know sweet fuck all about tennis. To pan the French Open off as 'archiac' on a 'prehistoric' surface highlights this. The French openis extremely desirable amongst players and fans alike. The French and The Championships will always be the two most prestigious in tennis. The US Open is rubbish on all accounts. It's just there for the sake of having a grand slam in the US. Our slam is a good show, and in a great city, but the facilities are not up the standards they ought to be anymore. The upgrade can't come soon enough.

KingmanIII

August 7th, 2009, 05:59 AM

Wow, Roland Garros is beautiful.

I'd be lucky to ever get to see it or Wimbledon in person.

KingmanIII

August 7th, 2009, 06:07 AM

The US Open is rubbish on all accounts. It's just there for the sake of having a grand slam in the US.
The US Open is the second-oldest of the four Grand Slam tournaments, first contested in 1881, four years after the first Wimbledon tournament.

I do think that a new, innovative surface should be developed to differentiate it from the Australian Open.

parcdesprinces

August 7th, 2009, 06:35 AM

Yes or return to grass......... it should be great also !

parcdesprinces

August 7th, 2009, 06:55 AM

Roland Garros :

Players :

2009: Finally he won IT........... (He won his first French Open unlike many of the best male and female players in history who have never won it)
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6039/3603825499fe179ce202.jpghttp://img38.imageshack.us/img38/8775/36038274794832a65d3a.jpg

Guga and the "heart of Paris" when he won it (that's also why clay court is great) :
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7708/610xdxi.jpghttp://img256.imageshack.us/img256/19/k9q8gysuq5t2ergj2gfbvib.jpg

Overviews :

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/9400/3326copie.jpg

look at the top :
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5422/14927copie2.jpg

look at the right :
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/7170/vncopie2.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/345/8943copie.jpg

Bonus: Roland with its new Court Central :
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7868/image20090514446681625x.jpg
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/7843/leprojetdufuturrolandga.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/4820/image20090514446549625x.jpg

KingmanIII

August 7th, 2009, 06:59 AM

Yes or return to grass......... it should be great also !
Tennis looks great on grass, but I think each of the four Slams should have their own unique identity, with their own unique surfaces and styles of play. With hardcourts, the US Open is more-or-less another Australian, and with grass it was another Wimbledon.

There's gotta be another surface out there that would be suitable for tennis...

parcdesprinces

August 7th, 2009, 07:13 AM

I agree with you, but, today there are only three surfaces available, for four Grand Slams and you already know that.......

ntly1

August 7th, 2009, 12:58 PM

source:http://tv7series.info/?p=9, www.pbase.com, www.flickr.com

PUTRA INDOOR STADIUM FOR MALAYSIA OPEN 2009

from Sept 26-Oct 4, 2009.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/9616/kualalumpurputrastadium.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/kualalumpurputrastadium.jpg/)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3967/putra3.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/putra3.jpg/)

Putra Indoor Stadium or Stadium Putra is an indoor sporting arena located in National Sports Complex of Bukit Jalil, Malaysia.

The capacity of the arena is 16,000 people. It is one of the several sports facilities in the National Sports Complex which includes the main stadium, Bukit Jalil National Stadium, National Hockey Stadium, National Squash Centre, and National Aquatic Centre and also a Training Centre.

Putra Stadium is named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al- Haj. It is the main venue for gymnastics competitions during Kuala Lumpur 1998 Commonwealth Games and host several occasions and sport events such as World Equestrian games, Disney’s on Ice and more.

More pic...same stadium was used for badminton tournament Malaysia Open

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/166/putra2.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/putra2.jpg/)

HUSKER

August 8th, 2009, 02:11 AM

Cracovia

August 8th, 2009, 02:21 AM

I agree with you, but, today there are only three surfaces available, for four Grand Slams and you already know that.......

How about wood...but that would only work indoor

HUSKER

August 8th, 2009, 06:16 AM

How about wood...but that would only work indoor

In reality today we have "many" different surfaces: European clay is very different from southamerican clay (and northamerican or har tru). We have rebound ace hard courts, deco turf, leycold, carpet, indor hard courts, fast grass, slow grass, etc.

KingmanIII

August 8th, 2009, 07:48 AM

In reality today we have "many" different surfaces: European clay is very different from southamerican clay (and northamerican or har tru). We have rebound ace hard courts, deco turf, leycold, carpet, indor hard courts, fast grass, slow grass, etc.
How about a synthetic grass? Or is it unsuitable for tennis?

en1044

August 8th, 2009, 09:02 AM

I agree with you, but, today there are only three surfaces available, for four Grand Slams and you already know that.......

Well that depends on what you define as a surface. Technically the Australian Open and US Open are played on different kinds of courts.

Quintana

August 8th, 2009, 09:42 AM

True, the US Open courts are much faster than the Australian ones (which is way Aussies are having so many problems being successful at their home turf, the court's speed is more akin Roland Garros than Wimbledon f.e.). In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the surface used at the US Open is even faster than Wimbledon.

ntly1

August 8th, 2009, 03:19 PM

^^^^
Great facilities.- What's the surface?? Carpet or a tradicional hard surface???., Carpet's the only sufrace that I don't like, too much service banging going on, even more than today's Wimbledon.

^^Hard Court (Indoor Greenset)

See Links:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Kuala-Lumpur.aspx

http://www.malaysianopentennis.com/event_facts.html

Cheers!

KingmanIII

August 8th, 2009, 05:38 PM

No1_Saint

August 11th, 2009, 06:36 AM

A few pics I took of the Australian Open this year.

Rod Laver Arena (15,000 capacity):

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3960/p1030369.jpg

Hisense Areana (10,000):

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4779/ausopen09097.jpg

Margaret Court Arena (6,000):

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4344/ausopen09015.jpg

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6014/ausopen09039.jpg

Show Court 2 (3,000):

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9672/ausopen09237.jpg

Show Court 3 (3,000):

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/7444/ausopen09101.jpg

This is what they plan to do. The area is looking a bit tired now compared to the what the rest of the world is doing. The Australian Open needs to stay in Melbourne as it is the only city that can consistently on an annual basis get the crowds needed to sustain it. Sydney is notorious for watching sports on tv...hence why the NRL crowds are abismal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyOAtcWYmt4&feature=channel

en1044

August 11th, 2009, 07:03 AM

This is what they plan to do. The area is looking a bit tired now compared to the what the rest of the world is doing. The Australian Open needs to stay in Australia as it is the only city that can consistently on an annual basis get the crowds needed to sustain it. Sydney is notorious for watching sports on tv...hence why the NRL crowds are abismal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyOAtcWYmt4&feature=channel

You mean Melbourne?

No1_Saint

August 11th, 2009, 07:18 AM

You mean Melbourne?

Oops...yes. That's what I meant.

KingmanIII

August 11th, 2009, 08:33 PM

This is what they plan to do. The area is looking a bit tired now compared to the what the rest of the world is doing. The Australian Open needs to stay in Melbourne as it is the only city that can consistently on an annual basis get the crowds needed to sustain it. Sydney is notorious for watching sports on tv...hence why the NRL crowds are abismal.

wyOAtcWYmt4

There ya go! :)

Looks stunning, BTW.

Zeno2

August 11th, 2009, 09:55 PM

http://www.lifestylesmagazine.eu/wp-content/imagescaler/0545cb2da22faefbde2ba4b815f30540.jpg

Štvanice Island’s (Prague) Czech Lawn Tennis Club.
The stadium was built in 1986 and opened with the Federation Cup that year
(8,000 spectators)

Skylineup076FR

August 19th, 2009, 02:23 PM

$10 Million Stadium Upgrade Announced

Center Court now in 2009:
http://www.cincytennis.com/tickets/northeast.jpg

Center Court in 2010:
http://www.cincytennis.com/Global/News/2009/08/Stadium_Renovations.aspx

gugasounds

August 20th, 2009, 02:16 AM

How about a synthetic grass? Or is it unsuitable for tennis?

Belive it or not here in Mexico we have some synthetic grass courts, and you know is bit slow but it´s okay.

Commandant

August 26th, 2009, 05:44 AM

Here is Rockódromo de La Casa de Campo in Madrid:

http://static.rateyourmusic.com/lk/f/v/3f823d6ad45849bdc246751225b0c0b7/1024219.jpg

http://www.esmadrid.com/recursos/img/es/Negocio/FeriasyCongresos/237157433_2042007135318.jpg

http://estaticos02.cache.el-mundo.net/elmundodeporte/imagenes/2006/12/11/1165859263_0.jpg

Commandant

August 26th, 2009, 05:51 AM

Here are some interesting pics:

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/07/20/sports/19liberty.600.jpg
Liberty Outdoor Classic at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Queens, New York

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_kc3Y-blnKGY/SjPGO3YjR2I/AAAAAAAABso/OvA7NENbhA8/P1000003.JPG?imgmax=400
Suns vs. Nuggets preseason game, Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Indian Wells, California

anacleta

October 18th, 2009, 06:38 PM

Almost finished the stadium for Valencia Open 500 (first week of novemeber)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9332/p1060.jpg

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/5923/imag2.jpg

matts67

October 19th, 2009, 01:02 AM

Tennis looks great on grass, but I think each of the four Slams should have their own unique identity, with their own unique surfaces and styles of play. With hardcourts, the US Open is more-or-less another Australian, and with grass it was another Wimbledon.

There's gotta be another surface out there that would be suitable for tennis...

=> concrete? tar? carpet? ice? water matress?
:banana:

mvictory

October 19th, 2009, 03:30 AM

=> concrete? tar? carpet? ice? water matress?
:banana:

Ice would make for great viewing. :banana:

anacleta

October 19th, 2009, 10:48 AM

From the spanish thread

Alguna foto de este domingo por la noche, aunque no sean de calidad :P Hoy no estaban trabajando.

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/6369/agora12.jpg

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2293/agora4.jpg

Desde el Aqua

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/4803/agora00.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6228/agora5.jpg

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9072/agora8.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/2176/agora9.jpg

anacleta

October 19th, 2009, 08:20 PM

Almost finished the stadium for Valencia Open 500 (first week of novemeber)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9332/p1060.jpg

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/5923/imag2.jpg

Pictures from Xarlitos

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/6553/cimg9350a.jpg

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/3595/cimg1826m.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1773/cimg1833g.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4388/cimg1850ih.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3465/cimg1855tf.jpg

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/8898/cimg2645o.jpg

ntly1

October 20th, 2009, 07:40 PM

ATP Malaysian Open 2009 Final

source: Youtube.com

Davydenko vs Verdasco, Kuala Lumpur 2009 final highlights 6-4 7-5

rxRaiDmJko4&feature

anacleta

October 30th, 2009, 12:23 AM

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_203955.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204004.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204022.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204031.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204429.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204438.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204447.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204524.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204543.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204601.jpg

http://comunidad.levante-emv.com/servicios/galeriasMultimedia/media/8563/imagenes/1256848517643_fotospropias_20091029_204610.jpg

http://foto-cache.lasprovincias.es/resizer/resizer.php?imagen=/deliverty/demo/resources/jpg/5/7/1256845391375.jpg

http://foto-cache.lasprovincias.es/resizer/resizer.php?imagen=/deliverty/demo/resources/jpg/5/0/1256845395105.jpg

http://foto-cache.lasprovincias.es/resizer/resizer.php?imagen=/deliverty/demo/resources/jpg/4/9/1256845384494.jpg

http://foto-cache.lasprovincias.es/resizer/resizer.php?imagen=/deliverty/demo/resources/jpg/6/6/1256845393266.jpg

http://foto-cache.lasprovincias.es/resizer/resizer.php?imagen=/deliverty/demo/resources/jpg/6/0/1256845397806.jpg

http://foto-cache.lasprovincias.es/resizer/resizer.php?imagen=/deliverty/demo/resources/jpg/8/9/1256851675898.JPG

http://foto-cache.lasprovincias.es/resizer/resizer.php?imagen=/deliverty/demo/resources/jpg/7/4/1256851672147.JPG

koolio

October 30th, 2009, 03:13 AM

It looks like an impressive structure but I gotta say .... it seems like a very cold and intimidating stadium. I don't think I'd like watching a tennis match inside that arena.

eMKay

October 30th, 2009, 05:01 AM

anacleta

October 30th, 2009, 10:44 AM

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss88/dutch_mentor/2009-11-06_IMG_2009-10-29_235111__V.jpg

anacleta

November 1st, 2009, 08:48 PM

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/6519/pa310305.jpg (http://img688.imageshack.us/i/pa310305.jpg/)

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/8175/pa310309.jpg (http://img682.imageshack.us/i/pa310309.jpg/)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9094/pa310332.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/pa310332.jpg/)

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/246/pa310334.jpg (http://img688.imageshack.us/i/pa310334.jpg/)

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5526/pa310336a.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/i/pa310336a.jpg/)

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/7153/pa310337.jpg (http://img688.imageshack.us/i/pa310337.jpg/)

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/4527/pa310339.jpg (http://img682.imageshack.us/i/pa310339.jpg/)

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/8204/pa310344.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/i/pa310344.jpg/)

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7378/pa310373.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/i/pa310373.jpg/)http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/pa310373.jpg/1/w1024.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img407/pa310373.jpg/1/)

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3595/pa310374.jpg (http://img259.imageshack.us/i/pa310374.jpg/)

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7658/pa310388.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/i/pa310388.jpg/)

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3982/panorama1i.jpg (http://img515.imageshack.us/i/panorama1i.jpg/)

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7611/pa310390.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/i/pa310390.jpg/)

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7781/pa310392.jpg (http://img406.imageshack.us/i/pa310392.jpg/)

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4886/pa310395.jpg (http://img406.imageshack.us/i/pa310395.jpg/)

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/5635/pa310397.jpg (http://img507.imageshack.us/i/pa310397.jpg/)
Pics from FanSSC

http://i564.photobucket.com/albums/ss88/dutch_mentor/2009-11-08_IMG_2009-10-31_233527__D.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111193255112.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111193213200.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0111193103197.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_3110221619178.JPG

rafamlopes

November 2nd, 2009, 04:57 AM

^^ what´s the capacity (of the Valencia´s tennis stadium)??

It´s a piece of art.

anacleta

November 2nd, 2009, 11:33 AM

^^ what´s the capacity (of the Valencia´s tennis stadium)??

It´s a piece of art.

5500 persons

NeonNight

November 2nd, 2009, 12:43 PM

Telefonica Arena Madrid

http://img42.imageshack.us/g/telefonicaarena2.jpg/

NeonNight

November 2nd, 2009, 01:02 PM

sorry

Langers

November 2nd, 2009, 02:41 PM

That Valencia stadium, while a remarkable structure, looks absolutely terrible for tennis IMO.

anacleta

November 4th, 2009, 01:53 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4065247022_e015228be0.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/4065245598_8e61b28e22_o.jpg

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/9715/open1.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/4646/open2.jpg

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/355/open5.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5733/open8.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0211192531186.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0311133730184.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0211202940131.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0411015459166.JPG

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3560/cimg1612640x480.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/8923/cimg1618640x480.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/9263/cimg1617640x480.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0411012452106.JPG

Bobby3

November 4th, 2009, 08:27 PM

Will there be basketball, volleyball or futsal here?

anacleta

November 4th, 2009, 09:59 PM

Will there be basketball, volleyball or futsal here?

it is an empty building so it will held any kind of event that fits in it ;)

RobH

November 4th, 2009, 10:26 PM

I feel like Jonah looking at those pictures!

Andre_idol

November 5th, 2009, 01:52 AM

That Valencia stadium, while a remarkable structure, looks absolutely terrible for tennis IMO.

I agree. Looks weird and..."cold"

But it´s an impressive structure indeed!

bigbossman

November 5th, 2009, 02:07 AM

I feel like Jonah looking at those pictures!

a biblical reference in a stadium forum, well I never... I see where you're coming from though!

Erektion

November 5th, 2009, 02:29 AM

This is the first time I've seen pictures and it reminds me of being inside a giant blue whale. It's a shame that such a beautiful sculptured building only has a capacity of 5500 though.

KingmanIII

November 5th, 2009, 06:31 AM

This is the first time I've seen pictures and it reminds me of being inside a giant blue whale.
It reminds me of a Venus flytrap.

parcdesprinces

November 5th, 2009, 09:35 AM

I feel like Jonah looking at those pictures!

:lol: Yeah, indeed, that...thing looks like a whale.. from Inside (I presume :lol:)

a biblical reference in a stadium forum, well I never... I see where you're coming from though!

But did you ever imagine that a stadium/arena could look like a whale skeleton....... :nuts:

anacleta

November 5th, 2009, 01:57 PM

It looks like a whale skeleton indeed.

anyway, this was not built up just as a tennis stadium. It just happened that the Valencia Open 500 fits in it and it is an unique scenario... i have never seen a tennis tournament played in a stadium of these characteristics.

Mo Rush

November 5th, 2009, 04:14 PM

Need seating plans and sections for the Sydney and Athens olympic centre courts.

Who will save the day?

skyperu34

November 9th, 2009, 06:58 PM

The Valencia tennis stadium is a piece of jewerly, very beautiful and brilliant !!! Congratulations !

anacleta

November 10th, 2009, 11:14 AM

Murray was the winner!!

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0811201354190.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0811200642127.jpg

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0811192325101.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0711112350183.JPG

http://www.valenciaopen500.com/images/fotos/foto_0711111809180.JPG

Amaruu

November 23rd, 2009, 10:42 PM

I would say the Australian Open is the best slam of all the slams, and as a result, the best tournament in the world.

It's the only slam that offers:

day sessions
night sessions
outdoor matches
indoor matches (in extreme heat or rain).

Plus, it is played on a venue which favours neither the baseliner nor the serve vollyer. The hardcourts in Melbourne are conducive to any style of play.

Granted, the last two Wimbledon finals have been exceoptional, but that's because there was an exceptional player in both, v nadal and then v Roddick.

But go back 20 years at Wimbledon and you will see some of the most boring matches you will ever see. Sampras v Ivanisevic, ace, ace, ace, ace, game Sampras. Ace, ace, ace, ace, game Ivanisevic = zzzzzzzzzz. Try watching that for 4 or 5 sets.

Same with the French, but this time, the exact opposite....3 minute rallies with both players from the back of the net acting as brickwalls.

You wont see ace fests nor long tedious rallies at the Australian Open. What you will see is great tennis because the court isn't really doing any of the players a favour. It is a neutral surface.

Also, it is testement to the Australian Open that no male player has quite managed to dominate it like certain players have dominated the French, Wimbledon and even the US Opens.

Wimbledon, owned by: Sampras 7 times winner, Borg 5 in a row, Federer 6 times a winner.

French Open, owned by: Nadal 4 or 5 times, Borg won 6 times.

Neither Federer, Sampras, Nadal or any other champion in recent times has been able to dominate the Australian Open like they dominated other slams which is a positive because we get to see different winners from year to year as opposed to the Samprasfest or Federerfest at Wimbledon. I think Agassi won the Oz open 4 times but that's about it.

Wimbledon and the French Opens have the tradition and history and therefore the prestige, but if an alien came down to earth and did not know of the history, and judged the slams simply on merit, the Australian Open by far, absolutely by far. And with the upgrade in the pipeworks, it's only going to get better. No other slam is going to offer you the variety that the Australian Open will. The French and Wimbledon by comparisons, are a bit one dimensional.

PS...to the Wimbledon organisers, get rid of that middle Sunday day-off rule, it's 2009 now, not 1909.

rmutt

November 24th, 2009, 03:54 AM

would say the Australian Open is the best slam of all the slams, and as a result, the best tournament in the world.

It's the only slam that offers:

day sessions
night sessions

The US Open has both day and night sessions too.

It is not rare when the Arthur Ashe Stadium night sessions go past midnight or 1-2am local time creating an even more electric atmosphere.

The rest of the tennis center (and the surroinding area) is quiet and all the attention is on Arthur Ashe court. The television blimp still circling above. NYC skyline in the distance.

This is from personal experience. I haven't been able to go the other Grand Slams like the poster above me. :(

Aka

November 24th, 2009, 05:17 AM

PS...to the Wimbledon organisers, get rid of that middle Sunday day-off rule, it's 2009 now, not 1909.

It's those details that make Wimbledon the greatest, while the Australian is just another Slam - although a Slam.

Many of those reasons you point out for naming the Australian Open as "the best of all slams" are based in simple modern technology, and that's not what makes a Slam great.

And if you think that finals like Sampras vs Ivanisevic were boring... Well, that's not Wimbledon's fault. The grass is still the "same" today.

Wezza

November 24th, 2009, 12:20 PM

Amaruu

November 24th, 2009, 10:16 PM

The US Open has both day and night sessions too.

It is not rare when the Arthur Ashe Stadium night sessions go past midnight or 1-2am local time creating an even more electric atmosphere.

The rest of the tennis center (and the surroinding area) is quiet and all the attention is on Arthur Ashe court. The television blimp still circling above. NYC skyline in the distance.

This is from personal experience. I haven't been able to go the other Grand Slams like the poster above me. :(

Yes I am aware the US Open has night sessions too, but I said at the Australian Open you will also have indoor matches going on from time to time. It just adds another element to it.

Day matches
Night matches
Outdoor matches
Indoor matches.

Amaruu

November 24th, 2009, 10:33 PM

It's those details that make Wimbledon the greatest, while the Australian is just another Slam - although a Slam.

Many of those reasons you point out for naming the Australian Open as "the best of all slams" are based in simple modern technology, and that's not what makes a Slam great.

And if you think that finals like Sampras vs Ivanisevic were boring... Well, that's not Wimbledon's fault. The grass is still the "same" today.

What an obnoxious statement re it being just another slam. Other than Wimbledon, there is only 3 other slams. I said, because of the history, Wimbledon will always be an important event. However, it is not the be all and end all. You ask most professional tennis players what they would like at the end of their career, 4 Wimbledon trophies or one each from all of the slams, I know what they would be saying. I'm sure Sampras would have been prepared to give up 2 or 3 of his Wimbledon trophies for a French Open trophy...Wimbledon is not the be all and end all. If it got to a stage where a player had to win the Australian Open to get all the slams, then how important does the Australian Open become then? Also, Wimbledon is not immune to players not wanting to play at that event. We've seen in the past players bypass the event and all the UK press start hopping out of their jockstraps like it's shock horror.

I repeat, because of the history, Wimbledon will be perceived as a very important event. But other than that, the Australian Open just blows on Wimbledon.

As for what makes a slam great, it's everything combined. Tradition, technology (I note Wimbledon copied the Australian Open with the retractable roof), crowd attendances and of course the quality of the tennis.

The Sampras v Ivanisevic finals were boring, don't deny it. The most boring matches you will ever see. But to balance that, some of the best matches I have ever seen were at Wimbledon, but they are to and far between.

Amaruu

November 24th, 2009, 10:38 PM

And it's all in Melbourne!! :lol: Predictable Amaruu. :nuts:

WTF? You opened a thread about tennis. You know about the 4 grand slams right? So you would be aware then that Melbourne would feature in that, right? What were you expecting to see, Boondall Entertainment Centre???

Here you go, just for you Wezz:

http://www.brisent.com.au/

koolio

November 24th, 2009, 10:38 PM

Here are the top grandslams in my estimation:

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

jonnyboy

November 24th, 2009, 10:47 PM

just watching the tennis world tour finals from london in the o2 arena! stunning venue!!!!!!!!!

renco

November 24th, 2009, 11:14 PM

Here are the top grandslams in my estimation:

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

US open don't have the soul like others.

Aka

November 24th, 2009, 11:51 PM

What an obnoxious statement re it being just another slam. Other than Wimbledon, there is only 3 other slams. I said, because of the history, Wimbledon will always be an important event. However, it is not the be all and end all. You ask most professional tennis players what they would like at the end of their career, 4 Wimbledon trophies or one each from all of the slams, I know what they would be saying. I'm sure Sampras would have been prepared to give up 2 or 3 of his Wimbledon trophies for a French Open trophy...Wimbledon is not the be all and end all. If it got to a stage where a player had to win the Australian Open to get all the slams, then how important does the Australian Open become then? Also, Wimbledon is not immune to players not wanting to play at that event. We've seen in the past players bypass the event and all the UK press start hopping out of their jockstraps like it's shock horror.

I repeat, because of the history, Wimbledon will be perceived as a very important event. But other than that, the Australian Open just blows on Wimbledon.

As for what makes a slam great, it's everything combined. Tradition, technology (I note Wimbledon copied the Australian Open with the retractable roof), crowd attendances and of course the quality of the tennis.

The Sampras v Ivanisevic finals were boring, don't deny it. The most boring matches you will ever see. But to balance that, some of the best matches I have ever seen were at Wimbledon, but they are to and far between.

I'm obnoxious.

No. Sampras v Ivanisevic wasn't boring to me.

And they made the roof in Wimbledon's Centre Court just because of the weather.

If the Australian is that great how come I've never seen a player saying that it's its favourite Slam?

P.S.: Oh! And by the way! The fact that the Australian Open doesn't have dynasties it's probably just due to the fact that it's one of the earliest tournaments of the season where the top players are still trying to achieve their best. Its surface was, for many years, very similar to the US, and the US Open had dynasties.

rmutt

November 25th, 2009, 02:25 AM

US open don't have the soul like others.

At the US Open, they play "Imperial March" from Star Wars (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bzWSJG93P8)whenever Federer comes out onto the court.

...Plenty of soul and atmosphere characteristic of New York. :)

HUSKER

November 25th, 2009, 04:40 AM

No pro says that the Aussie open it's their favorite or the best slam. Their opinion should be taken as the expert one on this matter.
My opinion states that Wimby and the French are 1 and 2 in that order., The US has its own strange and "grundgy" style that makes it very pleasent to see it., The Aussie open still feels like a 1000 series (or masters) event over the span of 2 weeks. The fact that its held in January makes it very difficult to embrace it in the nothern hemisfere where we stop playing tennis due to the freezing cold (dont laugh, its true). The technology factor doesnt apply in make in the best or worst slam due that many other tournaments have better all around complexes (Shangai, maybe Madrid and Indian Wells).

Aka

November 25th, 2009, 05:04 AM

The US Open has soul. The crowd is usually the loudest - which, sometimes, can annoy some of the players -, Arthur Ashe has a great atmosphere, the Grandstand is... cute, unique, and there's always that NY feeling.

Maybe the fact that the stadium doesn't look like... classic and that USA touch - Wimbledon and Roland Garros have that European, old feeling - makes some people forget that the US Open is actually the second oldest Grand Slam - just four years younger than Wimbledon!!! - with a huge background.

Interesting is that some players say that the Roland Garros crowd is the one who understands more about tennis.

Wezza

November 25th, 2009, 09:15 AM

WTF? You opened a thread about tennis. You know about the 4 grand slams right? So you would be aware then that Melbourne would feature in that, right? What were you expecting to see, Boondall Entertainment Centre???

Here you go, just for you Wezz:

http://www.brisent.com.au/

I know about the 4 grand slams, i am just saying that it's rather predictable that you think the best grand slam of the lot is right there in your hometown. :lol:

AdidasGazelle

November 25th, 2009, 06:04 PM

Aka

November 25th, 2009, 07:24 PM

=4) WTF

That sounds so wrong.....

Amaruu

November 25th, 2009, 10:49 PM

You mentioned 20 years - well it is only in recent times that all the top Pros even began to take the Aussie slam serious. A lot didn't even bother to travel for it.

Look at the growth the Australian Open has had in the last 20 years, it has outstripped every other grand slam. Like I said, Wimbledon has the history and tradition, the Australian Open has everything else.

I will repeat what I previously said simply because you have mistaken it as a troll.

I said, no other slam will offer you:

day matches
night matches
outdoor matches
indoor matches.

Therefore, no other slam will offer the variety that the Australian Open offers.

Now do you think that by saying that, it's trolling or it's merely stating fact?

Once you admit to it being fact, because it is, then you can take steps in moving on.

Same for you too Wezza.

Then throw in the fact that the Australian Open draws the biggest attendances year after year, and all the dramas we have seen on the court in the past 20 years, eg, Sampras crying on the court, McEnroe being disqualified, etc, and I think you will find that I'm pretty much on the money. Also I read somewhere that due to the strengthening of the AUD, the Australian Open this year will be offering the richest prizemoney of all the slams, so don't get cut about about all this, you're too used to hearing the English media propaganda tossing itself over Wimbledon that when someone presents you with a set of facts to challenge the propaganda, you feel the need 'to feed the troll' haha. And of course there are plans afoot to make the venue at the Australian Open bigger and better, including facilities for the players, so yes, the players will enjoy it.

But before you get sidetracked by the contents of the above paragraph, I'll remind you again of my core point, just so you don't get confused:

No other slam will offer you:

day matches
night matches
outdoor matches
indoor matches.

Therefore, no other slam will offer the variety that the Australian Open offers. Accordingly, Wimbledon and the French are a bit one dimensional in comparison. That's what I'm saying, it is the actual case, so get over it already.

As for the year end event, it's mickey mouse, and the players are saving themselves for Melbourne.

AdidasGazelle

November 25th, 2009, 11:38 PM

Look at the growth the Australian Open has had in the last 20 years, it has outstripped every other grand slam. Like I said, Wimbledon has the history and tradition, the Australian Open has everything else.

I will repeat what I previously said simply because you have mistaken it as a troll.

I said, no other slam will offer you:

day matches
night matches
outdoor matches
indoor matches.

Therefore, no other slam will offer the variety that the Australian Open offers.

Now do you think that by saying that, it's trolling or it's merely stating fact?

Once you admit to it being fact, because it is, then you can take steps in moving on.

Same for you too Wezza.

Then throw in the fact that the Australian Open draws the biggest attendances year after year, and all the dramas we have seen on the court in the past 20 years, eg, Sampras crying on the court, McEnroe being disqualified, etc, and I think you will find that I'm pretty much on the money. Also I read somewhere that due to the strengthening of the AUD, the Australian Open this year will be offering the richest prizemoney of all the slams, so don't get cut about about all this, you're too used to hearing the English media propaganda tossing itself over Wimbledon that when someone presents you with a set of facts to challenge the propaganda, you feel the need 'to feed the troll' haha. And of course there are plans afoot to make the venue at the Australian Open bigger and better, including facilities for the players, so yes, the players will enjoy it.

But before you get sidetracked by the contents of the above paragraph, I'll remind you again of my core point, just so you don't get confused:

No other slam will offer you:

day matches
night matches
outdoor matches
indoor matches.

Therefore, no other slam will offer the variety that the Australian Open offers. Accordingly, Wimbledon and the French are a bit one dimensional in comparison. That's what I'm saying, it is the actual case, so get over it already.

As for the year end event, it's mickey mouse, and the players are saving themselves for Melbourne.

This year at Wimbledon we had:-

day matches
a night match
outdoor matches
indoor matches.

Now I don't know what your point is but I'll say again:

No matter how much the AO has grown in the past 20 years, it is not in the same league as Wimbledon or the US Open in terms of prestige or value for the fans and players. It never will be. It is the 4th slam that the players (apart from Aussies) want to win. Djokervic will be gutted if that is the only 'slam' he wins.

Yeah the WTFs are a joke. 250,000 tickets sold for a venue with one court and a capacity of 17,500, the only venue on the circuit bigger is Arthur Ashe.

Federicoft

November 25th, 2009, 11:45 PM

Look at the growth the Australian Open has had in the last 20 years, it has outstripped every other grand slam. Like I said, Wimbledon has the history and tradition, the Australian Open has everything else.

I will repeat what I previously said simply because you have mistaken it as a troll.

I said, no other slam will offer you:

day matches
night matches
outdoor matches
indoor matches.

Therefore, no other slam will offer the variety that the Australian Open offers.

Now do you think that by saying that, it's trolling or it's merely stating fact?

Once you admit to it being fact, because it is, then you can take steps in moving on.

Same for you too Wezza.

Then throw in the fact that the Australian Open draws the biggest attendances year after year, and all the dramas we have seen on the court in the past 20 years, eg, Sampras crying on the court, McEnroe being disqualified, etc, and I think you will find that I'm pretty much on the money. Also I read somewhere that due to the strengthening of the AUD, the Australian Open this year will be offering the richest prizemoney of all the slams, so don't get cut about about all this, you're too used to hearing the English media propaganda tossing itself over Wimbledon that when someone presents you with a set of facts to challenge the propaganda, you feel the need 'to feed the troll' haha. And of course there are plans afoot to make the venue at the Australian Open bigger and better, including facilities for the players, so yes, the players will enjoy it.

But before you get sidetracked by the contents of the above paragraph, I'll remind you again of my core point, just so you don't get confused:

No other slam will offer you:

day matches
night matches
outdoor matches
indoor matches.

Therefore, no other slam will offer the variety that the Australian Open offers. Accordingly, Wimbledon and the French are a bit one dimensional in comparison. That's what I'm saying, it is the actual case, so get over it already.

As for the year end event, it's mickey mouse, and the players are saving themselves for Melbourne.

You're living in a delusional world if you really believe that, but I'm pretty sure you don't. The Australian Open is obviously the least prestigious and the least important out of the four slams, any unbiased tennis fan knows that. This means it's the fourth most important tournament in the world, but still...

New York City 20??

November 26th, 2009, 12:11 AM

Therefore, no other slam will offer the variety that the Australian Open offers. Accordingly, Wimbledon and the French are a bit one dimensional in comparison. That's what I'm saying, it is the actual case, so get over it already.

I love watching the Australian Open. It definitely feels like the most relaxed of the Slams The atmosphere there seems exceptionally friendly and I would indeed say that the fans there do seem to know the most about tennis. Sharapova has said this too.

BUT - with all that said - in terms of prestige and status among the majority of people, including players, it is not 1st or 2nd, or maybe even 3rd.

My personal list:

1. Wimbledon
2. US Open
3. Australian Open and French Open tied for 3rd

mvictory

November 26th, 2009, 01:59 AM

I love watching the Australian Open. It definitely feels like the most relaxed of the Slams The atmosphere there seems exceptionally friendly and I would indeed say that the fans there do seem to know the most about tennis. Sharapova has said this too.

BUT - with all that said - in terms of prestige and status among the majority of people, including players, it is not 1st or 2nd, or maybe even 3rd.

My personal list:

1. Wimbledon
2. US Open
3. Australian Open and French Open tied for 3rd

I would have to agree With most of this. I think each slam has something different going for it and Wimbledon is the most prestigious still but saying that I don't believe it is the best tournament any more. For one they need new facilities as does the Aus Open but I think we still beat Wimbledon for that especialy when the Melboune Park upgrade is complete. As for saying WTF is bigger because it gets 250,000 people from memory the Aus open gets over 600,000 and more than any other grandslam. As I said each slam has something going for it and no one is better than any of the others.

AdidasGazelle

November 26th, 2009, 03:11 AM

I would have to agree With most of this. I think each slam has something different going for it and Wimbledon is the most prestigious still but saying that I don't believe it is the best tournament any more. For one they need new facilities as does the Aus Open but I think we still beat Wimbledon for that especialy when the Melboune Park upgrade is complete. As for saying WTF is bigger because it gets 250,000 people from memory the Aus open gets over 600,000 and more than any other grandslam. As I said each slam has something going for it and no one is better than any of the others.

What new facilities does Wimbledon need? I think you'd be surprised at how much money has been spent in the last decade or so at Wimbledon.

I was on a WUM with the troll in relation to the WTF being bigger. But even so, 250,000 ticket sales for a venue with one tennis court ain't too shabby is it?

Wimbledon is the Daddy and the AO is in 4th place in a 4 horse race and as long as the players still keep believing that then nothing will change - and new facilities certainly won't change anything. As they say, you can't polish a tur.d.

Amaruu

November 26th, 2009, 04:00 AM

What new facilities does Wimbledon need? I think you'd be surprised at how much money has been spent in the last decade or so at Wimbledon.

Exactly, you said it, Wimbledon has spent alot of money bring the event up to speed. The Australian Openn has not made a significant investment for some time, that is still to happen. And when it does, it will only make the event bigger and better.

And it is true, the Australian Open gets the bigger attendances, the event goes from strength to strength, every year it seems to break its own record. having said that, I think the US Open may have broken the record this year.

As for night matches at Wimbledon, if a match is in progress, and it gets dark, it's not a night match. You've showed your desperation with that comment of yours in a previous post.

I already said that due to its history that Wimbledon is very prestigious, but you seem to be missing my point, the Australian Open offers a bigger variety, from day sessions to night sessions, even with the surface, it is conducive to any style of play because the ball bounces truely, unlike grass which favours the serve volleyer.

AdidasGazelle

November 26th, 2009, 04:25 AM

Exactly, you said it, Wimbledon has spent alot of money bring the event up to speed. The Australian Openn has not made a significant investment for some time, that is still to happen. And when it does, it will only make the event bigger and better.

And it is true, the Australian Open gets the bigger attendances, the event goes from strength to strength, every year it seems to break its own record. having said that, I think the US Open may have broken the record this year.

As for night matches at Wimbledon, if a match is in progress, and it gets dark, it's not a night match. You've showed your desperation with that comment of yours in a previous post.

I already said that due to its history that Wimbledon is very prestigious, but you seem to be missing my point, the Australian Open offers a bigger variety, from day sessions to night sessions, even with the surface, it is conducive to any style of play because the ball bounces truely, unlike grass which favours the serve volleyer.

Desperation about knowing Wimbledon is the best tennis tournament in the world? You need to remove those Aussie-tinted glasses - no one outside of Oz thinks your slam is that important in the grand scheme of things.

There will be other night matches at Wimbledon although they do have to finish by 10.30pm I think. I was just proving that your 'unique' points were in fact not unique at all.

So because you prefer the tennis played on the hardcourt surface at the AO that is another reason it is better than the rest? Would that mean any two-bit tourney played on that surface would also be better than say the French Open? Stop being silly.

Sorry pal, you are talking rubbish but I can understand you sticking up for your country because there is a lack of 'events' you host that are truly global. Just be thankful that you host the 4th best tennis tournament in the world :cheers:

parcdesprinces

November 26th, 2009, 03:27 PM

Just to be part of your endless discussion :D :

Roland Garros is the favorite tournament of most of players, Roland Garros (with Wimbledon) is the most classy and elegant tennis tournament... And it's the unique Grand Slam played on clay court.

The new centre court (15,000 seats, with retractable roof) will open in 2013 (the current centre court will be also covered before 2013), with these new developments, Roland Garros will be the only Grand slam with: three courts over 10,000 seats (two over 14,500 seats with retractable roofs) + two new indoor smaller ones (1,000 & 2,500 seats)...

Elegant Roland Garrros :):
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/456/35836806384a1445aa21o.jpghttp://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9146/2564322849614cf57da9b.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1249/25321799500dec985317b.jpghttp://img22.imageshack.us/img22/273/35870058248477e6a822o.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7564/370062623573fd38169eb.jpghttp://img195.imageshack.us/img195/221/52968794654ae0d1204b.jpg
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7924/3580748531f0de842834b.jpghttp://img22.imageshack.us/img22/8428/257335796115f205e63bb.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4329/256251576834dfd4ba1o.jpghttp://img81.imageshack.us/img81/324/25625124394f685bb86o.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/4563/57271482733b101062do.jpghttp://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3133/2562514773e0b98faabo.jpg
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2896/2562513888af3777499o.jpghttp://img81.imageshack.us/img81/6420/2562513283cf4e78c5eo.jpg

And it's not located in the middle of nowhere, but in inner Paris :):

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/9400/3326copie.jpg

New Court Central (on the right):
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7868/image20090514446681625x.jpg

Langers

November 26th, 2009, 04:53 PM

I'll feed the troll....he seems hungry.

The reason you wrote this post is because you know deep down, and it hurts you, that out of all the 4 slams the Aussie Open is the least glamorous and the least-valued by both players and tennis fans alike.

You mentioned 20 years - well it is only in recent times that all the top Pros even began to take the Aussie slam serious. A lot didn't even bother to travel for it. It is too early in the year. Little chance of players getting into any kind of form and that is why so many different players win it. A bit like the lotto.

Lets be honest, now that the end of year WTFs have found a great home in London at the o2, the Aussie Open could even slip to 5th on the most-valued tennis tournament.

1) Wimbledon
2) US Open
3) French Open
=4) WTF
=4) Aussie Open
:lol: Funny stuff.

The World Tour Finals are good, but massively overrated and certainly not on a level with the Slams. In fact, I would rate the WTF below an ordinary MS 1000 event. Round robin, for tennis, it's just not ideal. It's the end of a long, long season, only a a couple of players are a legitimate chance, and I doubt many people outside of the die-hards could even name former champions.

As for the discussion about the Australian Open, you are severely underrating it. I think you'll find that the majority of players on tour rate it as their favourite Slam. I am not making that up, you look for yourself. Djokovic would be dirty if it was the only 'Slam' he won? Laughable. How about I find that quote from Ivanovic from just last week where she said it was the tournament she most wanted to win. Interesting.