Did you know the Australian Open was once played in New Zealand? It’s true! But back then, it wasn’t known as the Australian Open.

Originally called the Australasian Championships, the tournament’s journey has been as dynamic as the players competing on its courts.

As we prepare to celebrate its 120th anniversary in 2025, let’s explore the many homes and transformations of this iconic event.

The Early Years: Australasian Championships

The tournament debuted in 1905 at the Warehouseman's Cricket Ground in Melbourne, now Albert Reserve. But it quickly became a traveling championship, moving across cities like Brisbane (1907), Sydney (1908), Perth (1909), and even Christchurch, New Zealand (1906). This move was partly due to Davis Cup requirements, as the newly formed Australasian Lawn Tennis Association included New Zealand to strengthen its team.

Between 1911 and 1920, the event paused and returned to Melbourne intermittently. The early 20th century saw the tournament played in unusual venues, such as Perth Zoo’s courts and Adelaide Oval, before the women’s singles event was added in 1922.

From Australasian to Australian Championships

In 1927, the event was renamed the Australian Championships after New Zealand ended its participation. The same year, the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club debuted as a host venue with its iconic horseshoe-shaped stadium. Between 1927 and 1968, the tournament rotated among Australia’s major cities, including Sydney’s White City and Brisbane’s Milton Courts.

Kooyong's popularity ultimately solidified its position as the permanent home by 1972. However, the tournament’s inconsistent timing—alternating between January and December—posed challenges for international player participation.

The Australian Open Era

The event officially became the Australian Open in 1969, welcoming both and professional players. Despite this milestone, interest in the tournament waned during the 1970s due to its timing and Australia’s geographic isolation. By the 1980s, Kooyong was struggling to accommodate growing crowds, prompting plans for a new venue.

A New Era: Melbourne Park

In 1988, the tournament moved to Melbourne Park (formerly Flinders Park), a state-of-the-art facility featuring a 15,000-seat Centre Court with a retractable roof—renamed Rod Laver Arena in 2000. Attendance soared to over 250,000, establishing the Australian Open as one of the most prestigious Grand Slams.

Melbourne Park has undergone multiple upgrades, including the addition of John Cain Arena in 2001 and significant redevelopment in recent years. By 2024, the tournament drew over one million fans, a far cry from its humble beginnings in 1905.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Growth

From its itinerant early days to its world-class home at Melbourne Park, the Australian Open’s history is a testament to adaptability and progress. As it nears its 120th anniversary, this Grand Slam continues to inspire fans and players alike, blending tradition with innovation to remain at the forefront of tennis.