Australian Open: Is it just me?

[Ajtat411]

I have this overwhelming urge to plan a trip to the Australia Open next year with all that's playing on TV.

The nice weather, beautiful people and fact that Federer may retire within the next few years. I already missed out on seeing Sampras and Agassi play in their prime.

It would be fun seeing Federer/Nadal/Djoker and other play in their prime.

Is it just me?

[star 5 15]

It's not just you. I think I would rather go there for the Aus Open than any other tourny.

[scotus]

Originally Posted by Ajtat411

I have this overwhelming urge to plan a trip to the Australia Open next year with all that's playing on TV.

The nice weather, beautiful people and fact that Federer may retire within the next few years. I already missed out on seeing Sampras and Agassi play in their prime.

It would be fun seeing Federer/Nadal/Djoker and other play in their prime.

Is it just me?

Nice weather?

The daytime highs are often in the 100s Fahrenheit.

And this year, there are heavily flooded areas around.

[West Coast Ace]

Yes and no. I have been going to the Shanghai event for a number of years - for what I pay for my whole trip - airfare, hotel, tickets - is less than the LA to MEL flight cost. Unfortunately the Australian gov shields Qantas from competition.

I prefer the Masters 1000 events - they get big crowds - but nothing like the zoos that the majors draw.

[Ajtat411]

Originally Posted by scotus

Nice weather?

The daytime highs are often in the 100s Fahrenheit.

And this year, there are heavily flooded areas around.

Yeah, a good change from consistent 50 degree days.

I would just avoid the flooded areas.

Originally Posted by West Coast Ace

Yes and no. I have been going to the Shanghai event for a number of years - for what I pay for my whole trip - airfare, hotel, tickets - is less than the LA to MEL flight cost. Unfortunately the Australian gov shields Qantas from competition.

I prefer the Masters 1000 events - they get big crowds - but nothing like the zoos that the majors draw.

Yeah, but I've never been to a major tennis event so I think that it would be cool. So average ballpark, how much did the Australian Open trip cost you per person?

Maybe I'll set my goal for the US Open first since it's a little closer to home and also sounds cheaper.

When I hit the lottery jackpot I will go to all of the major slams in one year.

[autumn_leaf]

Originally Posted by Ajtat411

Yeah, a good change from consistent 50 degree days.

I would just avoid the flooded areas.



Yeah, but I've never been to a major tennis event so I think that it would be cool. So average ballpark, how much did the Australian Open trip cost you per person?

Maybe I'll set my goal for the US Open first since it's a little closer to home and also sounds cheaper.

When I hit the lottery jackpot I will go to all of the major slams in one year.

i've never been to an pro event but my friends went last year to the USO. they actually had a hard time finding it and said that the neighborhood itself is kind of slumy and flushing meadows doesn't even look like it belongs there. just a heads up to get directions before going cause he had a fairly hard time finding it.

[Rob_C]

Originally Posted by autumn_leaf

i've never been to an pro event but my friends went last year to the USO. they actually had a hard time finding it and said that the neighborhood itself is kind of slumy and flushing meadows doesn't even look like it belongs there. just a heads up to get directions before going cause he had a fairly hard time finding it.

Did he drive?? Its really easy getting there using the subway. The 7 train stops at Flushing, along with the LIRR.

[West Coast Ace]

Originally Posted by Ajtat411

So average ballpark, how much did the Australian Open trip cost you per person?

It was 11 yrs ago - so the prices aren't relevant.

Maybe I should add - I've been to AU multiple times so, while I'd like to go - and have a bunch of friends in the Asia Pac who are there and would love to hang out with - it's not a priority. The cities I've been to - Mel, Syd, and Brisbane - are beautiful; the people are incredibly friendly, etc... I just don't see it as a good tennis travel value.

[MAXXply]

I chatted with an older couple seated behind me during the
Federer-Malisse match. They were visiting from Ft. Lauderdale and said the AO was the completion of their personal Grand Slam.
They waxed lyrical about the place and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too.

[bezs]

Have the urge to go to the Aussie Open as well since its the nearest Slam from where i'm at.

[equinox]

not really the same anymore. there's not many real fans. pretty much a social gathering and the tennis is secondary for most young people.

i remember sitting on top of the stadium surrounds and sharing in the real davis cup style atmosphere in early/mid 90's.

with all the rules and tight security just not fun anymore.

[fantasticfed]

Originally Posted by scotus

Nice weather?

The daytime highs are often in the 100s Fahrenheit.

And this year, there are heavily flooded areas around.

Doesnt flood around melbourne at this time of the year!! only up north in the country. hasnt been upto 38 degrees C. i live in melbourne so i know the weather. usually cool days and the nights can be humid or cold

[atatu]

Yeah, I really want to go, it's just a matter of being able to afford it and to find a way to take my kids out of school for a week or so.

[larry10s]

i lived in miami and went to the lipton/sony ericcson for many years
honestly unless you get real good seats you get a better view of the match on tv in the comfort of your home.
in the early rounds if the practice court area is available you can get very close and wach the top players train
the outer courts have more intimate seating but the higher ranked players dont play there.
i now live 3 hours from miami and dont go anymore.
thats just my experience and opinion

[SteveI]

Been to the USO many times. Once you learn all the ins & outs and tricks it can be great. If you go as a 1st timer, get plenty of advice before going or go with a vet of the event. Oh..and bring lots of cash!!

[Kobble]

Originally Posted by larry10s

i lived in miami and went to the lipton/sony ericcson for many years
honestly unless you get real good seats you get a better view of the match on tv in the comfort of your home.
in the early rounds if the practice court area is available you can get very close and wach the top players train
the outer courts have more intimate seating but the higher ranked players dont play there.
i now live 3 hours from miami and dont go anymore.
thats just my experience and opinion

Miami has lost its great atmosphere, anyway. I remember walking the grounds around the time Safin was retiring and thinking, I barely like this, why would some guy who has seen the best of it for years stick around. Seemingly, the world has lost it's great atmosphere, but that is another issue. Miami is a ***** to get good seats at, most are purchased months in advance by well off people with $1000 to burn on a tennis vacation. Unless you can get the 100's, stadium is almost pointless. For me, seeing Kuerten, Nadal and Safin was really fun, as well as other players. The practice session in the morning to afternoon are probably my favorite times.

I would still like to go to the Aussie Open, RG, and Wimbledon. The U.S. Open was cool in the 80's and 90's; I just don't get the allure anymore. I feel like I have to. but I am just not excited.

[galain]

I used to live a 15min bike ride away from Melbourne Park and it was actually my home court for a few years as a competition player.

What equinox said is quite true - in recent years it has become more of a social occasion than a sporting one as far as spectators are concerned. However, there is a lot of great tennis to be seen if you're a real tennis fan (as opposed to a fair weather tennis fan). Arriving around 9 in the morning will guarantee you pretty good access to practice courts. I've hung over the fence as Federer served at coins placed in the service boxes, and chatted with Conchita Martinez (I was the only person watching her practice).

If your schedule allows it, try and get there during the qualifying event. That is true, hard core nail biting stuff. The tennis is still amazing and these players are fighting their guts out for nothing, no pay - just a shot at the main draw - after having spent 20+ hours on a plane to get there. You want to see raw emotion - go to the qualies. They cost nothing to get in, you get courtside access and high drama.

Main draw - first 2 days are the best. Don't bother with a stadium ticket unless you really really need to see the top guns live. It CAN make a difference. I remember never being impressed with Agassi until I saw him live and then I thought he was incredible. I would never have seen him on an outside court.

And Melbourne is the finest city in the world - so there's that too!

[larry10s]

Originally Posted by galain

I used to live a 15min bike ride away from Melbourne Park and it was actually my home court for a few years as a competition player.
Arriving around 9 in the morning will guarantee you pretty good access to practice courts. I've hung over the fence as Federer served at coins placed in the service boxes......

did he ever hit one????

[galain]

Originally Posted by larry10s

did he ever hit one????

IIRC he hit 5 from 5!

[Squidward]

The Mrs. and I plan to go in 2012 for our 25th. Always want to...Now I can!!