The Australian Open tennis tournament, held annually in the last fortnight of January, is the first of the world's four Grand Slam tournaments.
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The tournament has been held for 100 years since 1905. Originally based at the grass courts at Kooyong in the city of Melbourne's inner south-east, the tournament was in danger of fading into irrelevance, but was revived in the 1980s with a shift to Melbourne Park, a new hardcourt venue next to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the southern fringe of the central business district.
Like all the Grand Slam tournaments, there are men's and women's singles competitions, men's, women's, and mixed doubles, as well as junior and master's competitions.
Two tournaments were held in 1977; the first in January, the second in December. The tournament moved back to January in 1987, so no championship was decided in 1986.
The centre court, Rod Laver Arena, and the first show court are unusual in that they feature a movable roof which can be shut in case of rain or extreme heat. It is the only Grand Slam tournament that can feature indoor play.
Men's record holders for most wins since 1925:
- All competitions: Adrian Quist (Australia), 13.
- Singles: Roy Emerson (Australia), 6.
- Consecutive singles titles: Roy Emerson (Australia), 5 (1963-1967).
- Doubles: Adrian Quist (Australia), 10.
Ladies' record holders for most wins since 1925:
- All competitions: Margaret Smith Court (Australia), 21.
- Singles: Margaret Smith Court (Australia), 11.
- Consecutive singles titles: Margaret Smith Court (Australia), 7 (1960-1966).
- Doubles: Thelma Long (Australia), 12.