ESPN.com went with the header, "How the Australian Open went from 'the other Slam' to record attendance numbers." In the 1970s and early '80s, Tennis Australia, and tennis in Australia, "was on life support." Back then, the Australian Open "felt like a Grand Slam only by name." The tournament "offered measly prize money and rankings points, making the decision to skip the event a simple one for many of the world's top players." Then in 1993, Jeff Pollard-- then head of Tennis Australia -- called upon former pro Paul McNamee "to help shake the tired stigma." In the early 2000s, the Australian Open became known as "the Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific," a "paradigm shift that allowed it to tap into a bustling market that had long been overlooked by world sport." The buzz and viewership "increased immediately, leading to more lucrative broadcast deals and greater state and federal funding." The rest was history.
Also:
- Here's what needs to change about College Football Playoff format after sparkling debut.
- With Greg Norman gone from LIV Golf, perhaps now the pro game can move forward.
- Where in the world is Dan Snyder? Far, far away from the Commanders’ postseason run.
- Baseball's top-heavy food chain is nearing a tipping point.
- Is the NBA turning MLK Day into a cash grab?
