Australian Open debuts new luxurious player pod, as organisers eye record crowds
Tennis stars have descended on Melbourne, as the “Happy Slam” looks to retain its title as the players’ favourite tournament. Here’s why.
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Tennis stars have started arriving in Melbourne as the “Happy Slam” prepares to retain its title as the players’ favourite tournament.
Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Andy Murray and Grigor Dimitrov all hit the court at the weekend, ahead of the Australian Open next Monday.
It was the first chance for Murray to get a sneak peek at the new “player pod” finished just a week ago.
Murray, who is still under an injury cloud, said the fresh facilities were streets ahead of any others on tour “and it’s not even close”.
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“I was gutted that I had to miss the Australian Open last year but I’m looking forward to getting the chance to compete here again,” he said.
“Pretty much every year when we come back here, there is changes and improvements that are made.
“But this is really, really significant — longer rooms, better recovery facilities, the dining facilities are really good and much more comfortable for the players.
“We appreciate that.”
The four-storey pod has smashed expectations. It has new recovery rooms and medical centre, a relaxation area and a beefed-up beauty bar offering manicures and haircuts.
In a super-sized dining area, players can pick from a smorgasbord that includes Italian food, made-to-order sushi, salads, ice-cream, barbecue and speciality coffee.
Tournament director Craig Tiley said: “It is very ‘us’ and that’s what the players get to appreciate.
“There is such a small difference between the top players and everything makes a difference — the food they eat is part of that.”
Despite the focus on player comforts, the Open will also serve up delights for fans in a bid to attract a record crowd.
More than 750,000 spectators are expected to flow through the gates as millions more watch on screens around the world.
Food from some of the city’s famed restaurants — including Biggie Smalls, Hellenic Republic and Mamasita — will be on offer alongside a string of top musical acts.
Bastille, Craig David, Birds of Tokyo, Angus and Julia Stone, Dean Lewis and JET will all
appear on the AO Live Stage during the fortnight.
Mr Tiley said the bigger and better Open would be a “complete experience”.
“We don’t say it flippantly but in January, we launch the sport and entertainment season for the rest of the world,” he said.
“We are showcasing our city, our state and our country to millions and millions of fans.
“As a nation, we are very proud of welcoming people to our shores and showcasing what we’ve got.”
Acting Premier Tim Pallas added: “We know the tennis will be great.
“What we can also have a fair degree of confidence in is that you’ll get great food, you’ll get great music — it’ll be an event in every sense of the word.”
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