The Official Australian Open Book

When it comes to world ranking points, tradition, prize money and public attention, the Australian Open is by far the most important sporting event in Australia. This book is the perfect souvenir of that event, featuring the words of some of Australia s best tennis writers accompanied by photographs that capture all facets of the action.

The Official Australian Open Book tells the story of this great tournament from its humble beginnings to the huge event it has become: the dramas that have unfolded on and off the court, the organisations and the personalities responsible for the rise in prestige and prize money, the spectators, the celebrities, the fashion and the controversies that have made modern tennis, and the Australian Open, so exciting.

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The Official Australian Open Book provides a comprehensive overview of the tournament, from on-court drama to behind-the-scenes insights, in the words of some of Australia's top tennis commentators.

Alan Trengove, the doyen of Australian tennis writers, contributes an insightful memoir looking back at more than 50 years of tennis reporting. He writes about his love affair with tennis with elegance and insight.

Suzi Petkovski, respected tennis writer for Inside Sport magazine among other publications, pays tribute to the 20 most influential players of the Australian Open, beginning with the current champion, Roger Federer. Suzi's question, is Federer the GOAT? (Greatest Of All Time) is one that is much debated, and Australian Open 2011 will provide another chapter in the ongoing story of this great champion's career. Suzi also reminds us of the Open's memorable moments and great rivalries, accompanied by exciting photographs to help you relive the action.

The book also documents the many paths (and venues) that led to the current 'Aussie' open, the world-class event held each year at Melbourne Park that draws so many visitors to Melbourne and attracts a world-wide television audience. The book explores tournament's evolution from its beginnings as an Australasian tournament staged first in 1905 to its current incarnation as the Grand Slam of Asia Pacific. The identity of the Australian Open we know today was forged in the 1980s, a process documented by a fascinating series of Australian Open posters featured in the book.

Today's tournament is a huge sports and entertainment event, requiring the building of a virtual city at Melbourne Park in the first week of January. The Official Australian Open Book takes you behind the scenes of this tennis 'city' into the locker rooms, the media rooms and even into the minds of the players as they prepare for what might just be the defining match of their career.

With 208 pages of stunning images, The Official Australian Open Book is the perfect Christmas gift for all those 'tennis tragics' who can't wait until January.