Thursday, May 31, 2007

Aussie Open 2008 good news or bad news?

It looks like Australian Open will get a new look, in the form of a brand new surface court according to tournament organizers it will now be made of an acrylic composition instead of the previous Rebound Ace surface. Whatever that means lol.

I do like the fact that the new surface will have lower heat retention, hopefully now play won't have to be suspended due to extreme heat conditions as much. Since the court will no longer be made of rubber tires.

It also supposedly won't change the speed of the court, which the officials say will still stay in the medium to medium fast range. Something all players like about the Aussie Open. It remains to be seen how the players adjust to this change and whether it'll help or hinder them.

Personally I think the "more consistent pace and bounce" part sounds really good, and could be quite advantageous to players like Martina Hingis who rely on bounce and especially pace in their game.

It all looks good on paper, but as I've mentioned it really remains to be seen just how comfortable the players will be on this new surface. Hopefully it'll be a change for the better, keeping the Aussie Open on the top of the grand slam circuit, and on the favourite list of all players on tour.

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