Australian open

Being in Melbourne in January, this Grand Slam is a must-see.

Even though I am a huge "sports" person, I have never been much of a spectator. I rather do than watch. But, being a part of an event like this in person, is a whole new level.

We left in the morning and spent the whole day at the venue. In the beginning, we went to see a match of doubles (Australia vs Korea) in the Melbourne arena. This is the only "arena" you can access with the ground pass. If you want to watch a game at Rod Liver Arena (to see tennis "stars" like Nadal, Williams etc) you have to pay 150 dollars - money I would rather spend on something else.

When watching doubles I realized it's not so interesting for me as the points finish earlier (than singles) and the game is a lot quicker due to having 4 players on the field. Even though Korean guys were better and won there was still a great atmosphere cheering for Aussies.

Next, we watched women's match btw Caroline Wozniacki (won AO in 2018) and Ons Jabeur, who won. This was Caroline's last match of the career as she is retiring in 2020, and there was a small ceremony after - emotional and well deserved to say the least.

Third game we watched was Čilič vs. Bautista Agut - it was a really intense game, and after 4 hours Čilič finally won. 

In the afternoon we walked around the park because there was always something going on. I also spend way too much money in the AO shop - but you've gotta buy souvenirs right? 

In the evening we sat down in a park in front of the big screen. We ate some chips (aka french fries), drank some cider and watched the match btw last year's AO winner Osaka and Gauff  - 15-year-old player won and took everyone by surprise. She really played well and by the looks of it, I would never guess she is in her mid-teens.

Fun fact?

--> by watching the matches I really got the urge to play. I realized I miss it a little bit :)