When you think of the Australian Open, heat comes to mind. Players, fans and officials can have a hard time coping.
When you think of the Australian Open, heat comes to mind. Players, fans and officials can have a hard time coping.
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Three years ago when temperatures hit 43C (109F) in Melbourne, Frank Dancevic passed out. He was later okay, but complained of hallucinations.
Three years ago when temperatures hit 43C (109F) in Melbourne, Frank Dancevic passed out. He was later okay, but complained of hallucinations.
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Roger Federer has said players have to deal with the weather -- which in this city can be fickle, with temperatures often soaring and plummeting from day to day.
Roger Federer has said players have to deal with the weather -- which in this city can be fickle, with temperatures often soaring and plummeting from day to day.
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Unlike the other three majors, the Australian Open venue is a short walk from downtown Melbourne and its charms.
Unlike the other three majors, the Australian Open venue is a short walk from downtown Melbourne and its charms.
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The Australian Open is the only grand slam that schedules night matches every day of the two-week tournament.
The Australian Open is the only grand slam that schedules night matches every day of the two-week tournament.
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Melbourne holds the record for the latest finish at a grand slam -- in 2008, when Lleyton Hewitt completed his win over Marcos Baghdatis at 4:34 a.m.
Melbourne holds the record for the latest finish at a grand slam -- in 2008, when Lleyton Hewitt completed his win over Marcos Baghdatis at 4:34 a.m.
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The Australian Open is the only major to have three retractable roofs. Wimbledon and the US Open have one, while the French Open doesn't have any.
The Australian Open is the only major to have three retractable roofs. Wimbledon and the US Open have one, while the French Open doesn't have any.
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Nicknamed the "Happy Slam," the Australian Open was a joyous place for first-time major winner Angelique Kerber in 2016 ...
Nicknamed the "Happy Slam," the Australian Open was a joyous place for first-time major winner Angelique Kerber in 2016 ...
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... and Novak Djokovic. The Serbian won his sixth Australian Open title by beating Andy Murray.
... and Novak Djokovic. The Serbian won his sixth Australian Open title by beating Andy Murray.
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Serena Williams, who lost to Kerber in last year's final, is seeking to claim a record 23rd major -- no one in the Open Era has won more -- in 2017.
Serena Williams, who lost to Kerber in last year's final, is seeking to claim a record 23rd major -- no one in the Open Era has won more -- in 2017.
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Federer, who coined the term "Happy Slam," is playing his first slam since Wimbledon in July 2016 after recovering from a knee problem. The last of his four Melbourne titles came in 2010.
Federer, who coined the term "Happy Slam," is playing his first slam since Wimbledon in July 2016 after recovering from a knee problem. The last of his four Melbourne titles came in 2010.
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