Open Invitation

Never Let Your Spirits Flag

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

January in Melbourne is synonymous with the Australian Open tennis tournament, the first grand slam title of the calendar year. Last year, world number one Roger Federer famously called the Aussie Open the "happy Open" and the name - naturally - has stuck.

Of the many sports-crazy bloggers around the world, Brian in Oxford has been following the tennis action closely and we've been exchanging emails about some key matches. If you've been watching the action on our new blue Plexicushion courts, do leave me a comment to let me know what you think of the action.

The signature flags with the striking, colourful Aussie Open symbol can be seen all round the city. These particular flags were fluttering in a strong breeze a couple of days ago at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport. They've been there for weeks, welcoming visitors, officials and players alike.

Our Open is a mix of everything - morning sessions, night sessions, open courts, retractable-roof stadiums, scorching hot weather, cool breezes and (thankfully) some rain as well. One thing's for sure in this sports-mad city. When it comes to tennis, you can't fault our service.

You Must Be Elm Macpherson

Where Are We? In The Everglades?

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

Makes you look twice, doesn't it? It reminds me of one of those jet boats in the Everglades. Actually, this is a Melbourne landmark. I took this shot on the weekend, when it seemed the mercury couldn't climb any higher. This is a really unusual angle and if you're trying to work out what it depicts, I'll give you a little help. This is the unique whalebone structure of Rod Laver Arena, which is the official name for Centre Court at Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open tennis tournament. Most pictures are taken from 90 degrees either side of where I was standing - which is why this view looks unfamiliar. The trees, in case you're wondering, are not Australian native trees. They're the famous English elms planted by the Yarra bank by the early settlers, who pined for the familiar greenery of England. Just for the record, I shot this from the opposite bank of the river, using my Pentax K100D and utilising the 18-125 lens for a nice, tight frame.