Andrea Bocelli Aug 29, 2008
Classical Music 2008-08-27 2008-08-27 03 9286 1600 Rod Laver Arena. Batman Ave. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Kylie confirms Australian tour dates Aug 28, 2008
December 19 - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne. AAP. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Blogger arrested over Guns N' Roses leak Aug 28, 2008
Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose performs to a sell-out crowd at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena last year ... Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose performs to a sell-out crowd at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena last year ... Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose performs to a sell-out crowd at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena last year. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Li keeps the torch burning in Open Aug 26, 2008
"There were few other upsets on an overcast, muggy opening day at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a day on which the 40th anniversary of tennis's Open Era (as in prize money) was celebrated with a star-studded celebration that included past US Open champions Billie Jean King, Rod Laver, Martina Navratilova, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, John McEnroe, and Maria Sharapova, who withdrew from this year's tournament with a shoulder injury.Olympic gold medalist and newly-minted world No.... (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Eyes on the prize money Aug 26, 2008
It was about time, because the pros, though a small band, were the game's best: all-timers Rod Laver, Pancho Gonzalez, Ken Rosewall, Lew Hoad, Andres Gimeno, John Newcombe, and Tony Roche to name seven. It was an amnesty for the banned pros, condemned to one-night stands and an occasional tourney such as the US Pro at Longwood in Boston. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Nadal, Dementieva Suffer Olympic Gold Medal Hangovers at U.S. Open Tennis Aug 26, 2008
The system is very tough,'' said French Open and Wimbledon champion Nadal, who's looking to join , Pete Sampras and Rod laver as the only men to win three majors in a year. In the final match yesterday, No. 9 seed , who lost the Olympic bronze medal match Aug. 16 against of Serbia, overcame fellow American Donald Young, ranked 102nd in the world, in a five-set match that finished at 12:35 a.m. local time. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Eyes on Nadal, Federer Aug 23, 2008
A victory at Flushing Meadows would allow Nadal to become the first since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the US Open, Wimbledon and the French Open all in the same year. The sky is the limit for Nadal who has an ATP best 70-8 record to go with the eight titles this year. (iAfrica.com)
Olympic champ Nadal is the top seed at the US Open Aug 21, 2008
All eyes will be on Nadal as he attempts to become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in the same year. Anything seems possible for the 22-year-old these days, as he already has eight titles in 2008 - including the Olympic gold in Beijing. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
'Pacman' plays in Cowboys' loss to Chargers Aug 10, 2008
Tennis star Rod Laver was in attendance. ALSO ON THIS STORY. (MSNBC -- Sports)
A venerable tennis tradition continues here Aug 7, 2008
For more than six decades, now-famous names have been among the tournament draws -- players such as Rod Laver (the superb Australian player who won the singles crown in 1956), Stan Smith, Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Aaron Krickstein, Michael Chang, Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, James Blake, Andy Roddick, Bob and Mike Bryan. The competition is as fierce as it is exciting. (Kalamazoo Gazette, MI)
Federer, Nadal lead Open field Jul 17, 2008
Rod Laver did it in his Grand Slam years of 1962 and 1969, Don Budge won a slam in 1938 and Tony Trabert won just the three in 1955. Federer will be trying to become the first man to win this Grand Slam tournament five straight times in the Open era and first with that many in a row since Bill Tilden won six U.S. championships from 1920-25. (New Haven Register, CT)
Brisbane International bids to secure Rafael Nadal Jul 8, 2008
Nadal, rather than five-time Wimbledon champion Federer, has now emerged as the man most likely to achieve a Grand Slam of all four major tournaments a feat last achieved by a man in a calendar year in 1969 by Queenslander Rod Laver. The Spanish left-hander is halfway to holding all four championships at the same time after his 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 win over Federer at Wimbledon. (Courier Mail)
Student sues security firms over Australian Open 'slave wage' Jul 7, 2008
The Rod Laver Arena hosted the 2008 Australian Open ... The Australian Open and the operators of the Rod Laver Arena are not named as respondents in the case and there is no allegation that they breached any agreements. (ABC Online)
Jenkins: Rainy men's rivalry? Jul 6, 2008
Nadal, just 22, is trying to join Borg and Rod Laver as the only men to pull the French-Wimbledon double in the modern era. Borg was 22 when he first achieved it - the first of an astounding three in a row. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
* WIMBLEDON: Federer, Nadal to renew epic rivalry Jul 6, 2008
Victory would take Nadal, the four-time French Open winner, alongside Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg as the only man to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year. The 22-year-old would also become the first Spanish mens champion since Manuel Santana in 1966. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Federer and Nadal to renew epic rivalry on Centre Court tomorrow Jul 5, 2008
Victory would take Nadal, the four-time French Open winner, alongside Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg as the only man to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year. The 22-year-old would also become the first Spanish men s champion since Manuel Santana in 1966. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Morning Leadoff Jul 5, 2008
From 1D: Forty years ago today, Australia's Rod Laver won the first open Wimbledon tennis championship, defeating countryman Tony Roche 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Laver became the first player since Fred Perry (1934-36) to win the men's title three straight times. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Passing shots Jul 2, 2008
com surveyed the former champions, those picking Federer included Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Stefan Edberg, John McEnroe, Goran Ivanisevic, Michael Stich, Jack Kramer, Jan Kodes and Tony Trabert. Bjorn Borg, John Newcombe, Stan Smith, Richard Krajicek and Pat Cash went for Nadal. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Wimbledon: Sharapova, Roddick Eliminated Jun 27, 2008
Four-time French Open champion Nadal is bidding to become only the third man in the Open era after Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg to win both the French and Wimbledon titles in the same year. Defending champion Williams overcame a rash of errors and trouble with her serve to beat British player Anne Keothavong and advance to the third round. (Click2Houston, TX)
Tennis's green monster not as scary this year Jun 23, 2008
George, then the Duke of York, a lefty like champs Martina Navratilova, Rod Laver, and John McEnroe, however performed like a serf in doubles, and returned only as a spectator. The Queen, like Federer, a believer in long reigns, may not feel that five years is enough for the gifted Swiss. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Six-shooter Federer takes aim at Nadal Jun 22, 2008
Nadal's ability to perform so well on grass - he tested Federer in the 2006 final and came desperately close to upsetting him in last year's title decider - surprised many observers who have become used to Spanish players, resigned to not being able to adapt their clay-court games, either scratching from Wimbledon or turning up for the first-round loser's cheque, which this year is 10,250 (or more than five times the 2,000 Rod Laver received for winning the first open Wimbledon in 1968). Nadal... (guardian.co.uk)
Greg Baum Why I think Don Bradman is a greater sportsman than Tiger Woods. Read more Jun 18, 2008
Tennis' Rod Laver won 80% of his matches, and the grand slam twice. Roger Federer hasn't won the French Open, nor yet as many majors as Pete Sampras, but wins at 80% anyway, and tennis is bigger now than in Laver's time. (The Age, Australia)
Sudbury tennis whiz following in dad's footsteps Jun 12, 2008
"His son has had the opportunity to meet and volley with tennis greats Rod Laver, Tom Gullickson, Todd Martin, and Martina Hingis. Gullickson, a fellow lefty, was especially helpful."So when my dad and his friends speak, I listen," said Schultz, who will be a senior this fall at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High, where his brother, Luke, is a sophomore; their sister, Hailey, is a seventh-grader at the Rivers School in Weston. "What most impresses me about his advice is that he knows there's more... (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Is it finally Federer's? Jun 8, 2008
For each of the past four years, Federer has come to Paris knowing that he needed a French Open title to complete a career Grand Slam, something only five men have accomplished: Andre Agassi, Don Budge, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, and Fred Perry. In 2005, that pursuit ended in the semifinals against Nadal. (Boston Globe)
Nadal eyes fourth title Jun 7, 2008
Not many do, including Pierre Barthes, whose heyday was spent on the professional tour with Rod Laver, Pancho Gonzales et al. in the 1960s. Two years ago, he was asked by a magazine about Federer versus Nadal and declared that the Swiss would never win Roland Garros. (Globe and Mail -- Sports)
It feels unjust without Henin at French Open Jun 1, 2008
Local Search Site Search. THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING. (Boston Globe)
Nadal Begins Quest for Fourth French Open Tennis Title, Federer Eyes First May 26, 2008
Andre Agassi won in Paris in 1999 to join Don Budge, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver and Fred Perry as winners of each of the majors. Not since Gustavo Kuerten in 2001 has a top men's seed triumphed at the French Open. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
First night-time final for women in next years Australian Open May 18, 2008
Imagine Sharapova defending her title against (Ana) Ivanovic or one of the Williams sisters before a packed house at Rod Laver Arena on a balmy Saturday night in January. It will be the most sought after ticket in town. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Cilmi makes soulful debut in British pop's top ten May 6, 2008
Tonight, she supports James Blunt at the Rod Laver Arena in front of 12,000 people. Her single Sweet About Me recently topped the Australian charts and expectations are high here for her album, which is released this weekend. (The Age, Australia -- Entertainment)
Son wrecks dad's prized Ferrari May 5, 2008
A Melbourne man had to make that call on Saturday night after destroying the front end of his father's Italian Stallion in a smash near Rod Laver Arena. The front of the red sports car, which police said had been speeding, finished wrapped around a pole in the spectacular accident, which took place on Batman Avenue. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Collins: Federer's down but he's not out May 4, 2008
After all Rod Laver constructed his second Grand Slam at age 31. So I think its a little soon to write off Federer, despite the crowd nipping at his sneakered heels and feeling more hopeful because of his least impressive start to a season since becoming ranked No. 1. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Almost famous five Mar 23, 2008
Maroon 5 plays the Rod Laver Arena next Sunday, March 30. send photos, videos ffs to 0406 THE AGE (0406 843 243), or us. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Kelly Clarkson Mar 4, 2008
The Age: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Melbourne's leading newspaper. Craig MathiesonMarch 3, 2008. (The Age)
2K Sports Reveals Renowned Lineup of Current and Legendary Stars for Top Spin 3 Feb 21, 2008
Fans will also have the opportunity to play on more than 40 prestigious and visually stunning venues from around the world such as Roland Garros in Paris (French Open) and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne (Australian Open). Adding to the immersive gameplay experience, fans can utilize a new and innovative Player Creator to customize their own unique tennis stars with free-form body sculpting, makeup and tattoos. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Monk hits rewind button to move forward Feb 16, 2008
KENRICK MONK was at the pool in Rod Laver Arena, but he is still amazed when he watches the tape of last year's 200 metres freestyle final at the world championships in Melbourne. It was the swim of the event, as Michael Phelps dismantled what some believed was an unbreakable record, clipping 0. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Monk not freaked out by superfish Phelps Feb 15, 2008
Monk was in the lane next to Phelps as the American kickstarted his blitz of the pool at Rod Laver Arena last year. He remained undaunted about the belting despite having watched it several times on video. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Federer is out of this world, says Rocket Feb 1, 2008
LOS ANGELES: Rod Laver says his greatest pleasure as a tennis spectator has come from watching world No.1 Roger Federer. Although the Swiss is yet to win a French Open title to give him the full set of all four grand slam crowns, his elegant positioning on court marks him out as extra special, according to "Rocket" Laver. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Sun hopes to shine again in doubles Feb 1, 2008
Two weeks later, the unprepared Sun received much more than she expected after paring with Zimonjic to defeat the Indian duo Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 in the final at Rod Laver Arena. The victory gave Sun her first grand slam trophy and made her the third Chinese grand slam title winner after Zheng Jie and Yan Zi who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon women's doubles titles in 2006. (Xinhuanet, China)
Sobering news for Federer, Nadal as Djokovic pledges no let-up Jan 29, 2008
Djokovic reflected on the relative lack of support he was afforded by the Rod Laver Arena crowd on Sunday night, and said that Tsonga, as the underdog, was an understandable choice. "People like to see him, the way he plays, the way he celebrates," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Austin: Sharapova serves notice she's back in top form Jan 29, 2008
If somebody would've told me during the middle of last year I'd be here I'd have said, 'Forget it,' Sharapova said on court after the 91-minute match on Rod Laver Arena. She most had her superior serve to thank for her redemption. (MSNBC -- Sports)
A hunger born of hardship for both Djokovic and Sharapova Jan 29, 2008
Men and machinery made loud noises as Rod Laver Arena began its transformation from the epicenter of tennis into a concert hall that will soon provide a stage for Hilary Duff and Iron Maiden. But for a few hours more, Novak Djokovic was still at the scene of his greatest tennis triumph. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Driven Djokovic set to challenge Federer for No. 1 Jan 29, 2008
He received treatment from the trainer after holding his serve to lead 3-2 but there was an eerie sense in Rod Laver Arena that the problem might result in the final plot twist -- in favor of Tsonga, who was playing the first final of his pro career ... It is an image, for those who were there, almost as enduring as him kneeling and kissing the blue court in Rod Laver Arena Sunday. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Ali, Ana and lots of target practice Jan 28, 2008
Hewitt and Baghdatis were originally told they would be the only night match on Rod Laver Arena - then oops, you'll be on when the girls are done after all. Tournament director Craig Tiley called it a "miscommunication", and no doubt quietly gave thanks that Hewitt didn't lose. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Djokovic claims first grand slam title Jan 28, 2008
True, he had kept the Rod Laver Arena crowd in stitches last week with his Maria Sharapova impersonation. But Djokovic also had upset Roger Federer in the semifinals and now had eliminated Tsonga, who was riding a great wave into the title match. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Australian Open tennis Jan 28, 2008
It was early, very early, in the first set of the Australian Open final on Sunday when an Australian voice yelled out from high in Rod Laver Arena: "Let's go Roger!". The confusion was understandable. (International Herald Tribune)
Sharapova victory a triumph over demons Jan 27, 2008
MARIA SHARAPOVA had not planned the poised and gracious victory speech she delivered at Rod Laver Arena yesterday, and nor, a couple of hours later, could she recall much of what she had said. She had been thinking of last year, of injuries and a lost life, of the negativity that was shadowing a career that had started so brilliantly. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Aussie ace youngest winner of grand prize Jan 27, 2008
AUSTRALIAN 15-year-old Bernard Tomic became the youngest boys' grand slam champion in tennis history when he won the Australian Open junior final in Rod Laver Arena yesterday. The Queensland wonderboy showed he has the grit to match his talent, coming back from a set and a break down to defeat Taiwan's big-serving Tsung-Hua Yang 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0 in the final. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Just another lowly match for Tsonga Jan 27, 2008
It's the first time that neither Federer or Nadal will be on at least one side of the net in a grand slam final since Marat Safin denied Lleyton Hewitt Open glory at Rod Laver Arena three years ago. In both finalists' eyes, their journeys have been almost unimaginable. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Sun, Zimonjic win mixed doubles final Jan 27, 2008
China's Sun Tiantian and Serbia's Nenad Zimonjic have won the Australian Open mixed doubles final in straight sets at Rod Laver Arena. Sun and Zimonjic, the fifth seeds, beat Indian duo Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in one hour and 21 minutes. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Fast-riser Tsonga gets major title shot Jan 27, 2008
Muhammad Ali lookalike Tsonga reached the Australian Open final in only his fifth Grand Slam tournament and was set for a shot at the title early Sunday against No. 3 Novak Djokovic at Rod Laver Arena. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
Spotless slam for Aussie champ Jan 27, 2008
Sharapova told the Rod Laver Arena crowd that she'd received a text message from tennis great Billie Jean King telling her that "Champions take chances and pressure is a privilege.". "I took mine," Sharapova said. (Albany Times Union)
Wimbledon confirm move to prize money equality Jan 27, 2008
When Wimbledon pioneered Open tennis in 1968 the men's singles champion, Rod Laver, won 2,000, while Billie Jean King, the ladies' singles champion, won 750, only 37. 5% of the men's prize. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
Tsonga playing like a champ Jan 27, 2008
Muhammad Ali lookalike Tsonga reached the Australian Open final in only his fifth Grand Slam tournament and was set for a shot at the title earlier today against No. 3 Novak Djokovic at Rod Laver Arena. Despite his No. 38 ranking, Tsonga was considered a serious title contender after his semifinal upset of No. 2 Rafael Nadal that followed victories over three other top-15 players. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Tsonga ready for his own rumble Jan 27, 2008
Later tonight he will travel to Rod Laver Arena to watch Jo-Wilfried play in his first grand slam final. The Tsonga family had joked earlier this year they would join the young man in Melbourne should he make the final. (The Age, Australia -- Breaking News)
Perspective, Billie Jean's Text Lift Sharapova to Australian Open Title Jan 27, 2008
I had many setbacks throughout last year,'' Sharapova said in an interview with Bloomberg Television at Rod Laver Arena. I'm so happy I can come through and perform great throughout the whole two weeks. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
They're not perfect, but they're champions to us, Mr Roebuck Jan 26, 2008
With the refusal of the two women participants to move off Rod Laver Arena to another court so Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis could play, the organising committee of the Australian Open should look at the prizemoney for women. Either they play the best of five sets, like the men, or the men should play the best of three, like the women. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Rafter makes a Tsonga and dance about French sensation Jo-Wilfried Jan 26, 2008
Nadal's travelling frustrations came less than 24 hours after he admitted he'd been powerless to stop Tsonga in a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 semi-final shellacking in Rod Laver Arena. The heaviest defeat of his grand slam career left Nadal shellshocked. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Sharapova sweeps Russian takes Australian Open without losing set Jan 26, 2008
Sharapova sweeps / Russian takes Australian Open without losing set. If somebody would've told me during the middle of last year I'd be here I'd have said 'forget it. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Federer's Grand Slam run ends in Aussie rout Jan 26, 2008
Despite a 1-5 record against Federer that included a loss in the U.S. Open final last September, Djokovic was far from intimidated on a muggy night in packed Rod Laver Arena, even after getting broken in the first set. Federer, who is usually at his best as the pressure builds toward the end of a set, pulled ahead at 5-3 only to be stunned as Djokovic ran off the last four games. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Family and friends rally around Djokovic Jan 26, 2008
MELBOURNE, Australia As most of the Rod Laver Arena crowd urged on Roger Federer during crucial points Friday, Novak Djokovic counted on a small band of loyal supporters for encouragement. Among the group dressed in identical white track suits, bearing the letters N-O-V-A-K, were his father Srdjan, mother Dijana, and younger brothers Marco and Djordje cheering, shouting and occasionally defending Djokovic. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Russian rolls to Aussie crown Jan 26, 2008
She clasped her hands and swayed as she stood, waiting to receive the Daphne Akhurst Trophy, then told the Rod Laver Arena crowd that she'd received a text message from tennis great Billie Jean King telling her that 'Champions take chances and pressure is a privilege ... Most of the signs scattered around packed Rod Laver Arena were pretty clear, including one that said "Quiet please Maria," referring to Sharapova's high-pitched grunts that get louder and louder as pressure rises. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Sharapova's comeback continues with Australian Open title Jan 26, 2008
"If somebody had told me in the middle of last year, I'd be standing on this stage in front of all you guys with the big one, I'd probably say, 'Forget it,' " Sharapova said in her poised, wide-ranging speech to the crowd in Rod Laver Arena. Sharapova, 20, dedicated her victory to the mother of her coach Michael Joyce, Jane Joyce, who died last year of cancer. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Djokovic stuns Federer in Aussie semifinals Jan 26, 2008
Switzerland's Roger Federer leaves the Rod Laver Arena after losing to Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their Men's singles semi final at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 25, 2008 ... Despite a 1-5 record against Federer that included a loss in the U.S. Open final in September, Djokovic was far from intimidated on a muggy night in a packed Rod Laver Arena, even after getting broken in the first set. (Xinhuanet, China)
Sharapova cruises to Australian Open title Jan 26, 2008
She clasped her hands and swayed as she stood, waiting to receive the Daphne Akhurst Trophy, then told the Rod Laver Arena crowd that she'd received a text message from tennis great Billie Jean King. It said, "Champions take chances and pressure is a privilege.". (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Federer ousted Jan 26, 2008
On a lovely summer night at the Australian Open, with the Rod Laver Arena full to its 15,000 capacity, a seismic event took place as Federer made what was for him an early exit from a Grand Slam event, losing 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (5) to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. It ended Federer's record streak of reaching 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals, dating back to a semi-final loss to Rafael Nadal at the 2005 French Open. (Globe and Mail -- Sports)
