Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHONJanuary 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.
20 comments:
This is a beautiful shot!
I must admit I have been completely absent from the Australian Open so far, only heard about the hard-fought Hewitt-Baghdatis game on the radio.
Thanks, Merisi,
The colours of the flags are really striking and the breeze was so strong that day that I could not resist the shot.
Enjoy your weekend with the new camera.
Cheers
David
You guys follow this too huh? David did you get to use a press pass to get in? That would be sweet.
I like the pic! And I still owe you pics sir!
Colourful flags David.
Wow. Again, the colours are superb. A great catch.
Wonderful capture there, David! It's been a long time since I followed a sport with the passion I once followed English Premiere League action...somehow, two toddlers to keep track of seems like enough action. To everything a time and a season, I suppose!
Hi Dan,
I still have all my Wimbledon accreditation from my days as a sportswriter!!!
Keep smiling
David
Hi iMac,
Colourful flags, colourful city. Warm, inviting tournament; warm, inviting city!!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Lynn,
Thank you. This shot was actually taken from indoors, through a plate glass window!!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Kimberly,
Yes, I can see you in the colours of Manchester United!! But seriously, as a parent, I could not agree with you more - to everything a time and place.
That is PRECISELY why I don't hanker after being at a Wimbledon final, in the media box. My wife and kids are my life, so I do not travel constantly as I did when I was a sportswriter. Simple as that.
Have a great weekend.
David
Some really gorgeous, interesting photography on your blog. I'll be back to explore more. Thanks for visiting. Nice to meet you!
Although I'm not a big sports fan, I do like the vibrant flags. Very nice!
Gorgeous work, David, as always.
Makes me wish I was there.
The windchill where I'm at right now is about -10F.
Hope you're having a fantastic weekend.
Happy thought to go with the photo
wonder if andy roddick still thinks it's a happy open. always do like to see an upset. does that make me evil?
What gorgeous, vibrant colours you have captured there, David! Typically Australian too - all that glorious red earth and endless blue sky I remember from my foray to Broken Hill. Far too hot for tennis though!!!
And yes, I do wear denim!
And hasn't it been one amazing tournament so far! I still havent been to a match even though i live half an hour away ;)
Love the pic,
Maithri
Been Watching on ESPN when I get the chance....upsets and near upsets are the order of the day.....It would be nice to see one of your locals(Hewett) win but since Roger survived his 5 setter....I got to believe he will prevail. On the women's side, I'm rooting for Sharapova, but belive it will come down to who wins the Hennin-Serena match, if and when they meet.
Since it seemed a bit of a racket, I never seriously tried tennis but your endorsement has me wondering if I should take a swing at it now, providing I am feeling on the ball and not half a court low.
(.... 'carp pooling', David)
It was kind of sad to see Casy Dellaqua lose. It was great to see her beat Amelie Muressmo(sp?)as it was "massive", as she said. I hope good things happen for her.
Can anyone stop Roger? Will Rafael Nadal finally beat him on a surface other than clay for another major win?
Beautiful shot, David. One of the things on my "Bucket List" is to see all the majors. There's just something magical about them.
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