By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Picture credit score: Rolex
When champions play for historical past on Rod Laver Area this month, historical past can be trying over their shoulder.
The 2025 Australian Open marks double celebration for legendary Rocket Rod Laver.
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The one champion in historical past to win the calendar Grand Slam as an newbie and once more as an expert, Laver can be a busy man in the course of the AO fortnight.
It marks the twenty fifth anniversary of the Australian Open renaming its middle court docket Rod Laver Area 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 grew to become Australian Open Official Timekeeper in 2008, shared these Laver photos.
“Rolex being a part of the Australian Open is necessary for tennis and for our nation on the worldwide stage,” Laver stated. “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 stunning large stadium. It’s a nice feeling to know that by this court docket, the legacy of my profession continues within the sport in the present day.”
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 stated 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 all the time begins in Australia, which I’m very joyful about,” Sinner stated. “I all the time really feel good taking part in at Melbourne Park. I actually love the individuals and the followers—there’s a nice vitality.”
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