By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Picture credit score: Rolex
When champions play for historical past on Rod Laver Enviornment this month, historical past will probably be wanting over their shoulder.
The 2025 Australian Open marks double celebration for legendary Rocket Rod Laver.
Pegula: Swiatek Case Evokes Religion and Frustration
The one champion in historical past to win the calendar Grand Slam as an novice and once more as an expert, Laver will probably be a busy man throughout the AO fortnight.
It marks the twenty fifth anniversary of the Australian Open renaming its middle courtroom Rod Laver Enviornment and it is the sixty fifth anniversary of the Rockhampton Rocket profitable his maiden main on the 1960 Australian Open.
Laver, who was available for Jannik Sinner’s maiden main breakthrough in Melbourne final yr, went on to seize 11 Grand Slam championships.
Rolex, which turned Australian Open Official Timekeeper in 2008, shared these Laver photographs.
“Rolex being a part of the Australian Open is essential for tennis and for our nation on the worldwide stage,” Laver mentioned. “It’s a partnership that I’ve seen thrive over a few years.
“I really feel honored that Australia has acknowledged my tennis achievements by placing my identify on that lovely large stadium. It’s a nice feeling to know that via this courtroom, the legacy of my profession continues within the sport right now.”
Just like the legendary Laver, defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner is a red-haired, explosive shotmaker.
Contemporary off his run to the ATP Finals championship and main Italy to its second straight Davis Cup championship, Sinner mentioned he is pumped to return to Oz.
“Each season has its personal story, and also you by no means know what is going to occur, however for us, it at all times begins in Australia, which I’m very blissful about,” Sinner mentioned. “I at all times really feel good taking part in at Melbourne Park. I actually love the folks and the followers—there’s a nice power.”
