By Tennis Week
10/05/2004
The stadiums that bear their names stand side-by-side at Melbourne Park and
in January two of the greatest champions in tennis history — Australians Rod
Laver and Margaret Court — will return to their home court to crown
Australian Open champions at the centenary staging of the Australian Open.
The Australian Open is scheduled for January 17-30th at Melbourne Park.
Margaret (Smith) Court, who won more Grand Slam titles than any other player
in history (62 titles in singles and doubles) — including the Grand Slam in
1970 — will present the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to the winner of the
women's singles final on Saturday, January, 29th. Court won the Australian
Open singles title an incredible 11 times between 1960 and 1973, including
seven years in succession between 1960-66. In 1963, Court swept singles,
doubles and mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open.
"I'm very honored to be asked to present the women's singles trophy,
particularly being the centenary year," Court said. "The 60s and 70s were
part of my tennis era, and an exciting part of Australian history as we had
such a depth in women's tennis, so it is always nice to be remembered for the
part you have played in such a milestone as 100 years."
Laver, who is the only player in the history of tennis (male or female) to
win the Grand Slam twice — in 1962 and 1969 — will present the Norman
Brookes Challenge Cup to the winner of the men's singles on Sunday, January
30th. Laver won the Australian Open singles title three times among a career
tally of 20 Grand Slam titles (11 singles, six doubles and three mixed).
"This is a great occasion for me returning for the centenary of the
Australian Open, seeing and remembering past players and champions, along
with memories of my participation at previous Opens," Laver said. "Australia
can be proud of the great list of champions she has produced for the world of
tennis, thanks to the Australian Open, and the Australian fans and supporters
through the years. This is a wonderful honor being chosen to present the
men's singles trophy in this historic year."
Both players are Legends of the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame, Australian
Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The
achievements of both Australian players have been recognized by Tennis
Australia with the naming of major Arenas at Melbourne Park in their honor.
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獲得他人注意的方法很多
但建立名聲與尊敬的最佳途徑便是通過歲月的考驗
你的名字最後是無人可以抹滅與忘記的！
-Rod Laver-
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