It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, or where you go — nothing makes you happy the way food can. The same has been proven again at the first grand slam of the year, the Australian Open. It is often referred to as the Happy Slam. While Wimbledon is known for its discipline, the Australian Open is known for its perks. The players get unlimited transportation, pretty gifts, excursions, and private movie screenings. This year, the players get an additional benefit, endless plates of free food. Now, what human won’t be delighted to see “endless,” “free,” and “food” in a single sentence?
This year, players and coaches get special meal cards that let them eat as much as they please at the player restaurant inside Rob Laver Arena. The Bryan brothers, the American doubles champions, say that it’s a feeding frenzy this year. “You’re sitting in these sushi lines and guys are taking food for the road, they’re getting food for everyone in their family. Guys are grabbing all the chips, just clearing it out,” said Mike. Bob added the lesson that he learned via this offer. “If food was free, people would eat a lot more of it. That’s what it’s telling me,” he added. The restaurant is full of stunning delicacies like sandwiches, drinks, doughnuts, duck breast, braised veal, rice noodles with crisp tofu, and various pastas.
More perks make Australian Open a loved tournament
The perk has been a hit among the players. It also forced the organizers to amend the takeout policy by allowing only two containers of sushi at a time. The decision was taken to speed up lines. But the players are allowed to get back in line if they want more. Increased prize money, easy travel, and better facilities have made the tournament a must for all the players. Players love Melbourne and its cuisine. There is grandeur at the tournament and equivalent pay for men’s and women’s singles winners.
American player Nicole Gibbs hails the $2,500 [Australian] travel voucher that all the players receive. “People love to ask, ‘What’s your favorite Grand Slam?’ and I always say as an American, it’s the U.S. Open, but as an objective tennis player it’s the Australian. They’re very, very generous,” says Nicole. Every player receives a stuffed animal, a gift card for $250 worth of Ugg boots, and a backpack. The tournament also provides five rackets per player at no charge whatsoever, unlike other tournaments.
Activities for players to reduce stress
There are other interesting activities, too. This includes paper airplane throwing contests, remote-control car races, Australian barbecues, live music, visits from a pastry chef, and tours of Melbourne’s graffiti. Dominic Inglot, the British Doubles, player won the paper airplane throwing contest. And it seemed like he was pretty happy about it. “My rivals had a limited understanding of aerodynamics. Some of the planes were disgusting, I mean really embarrassing, literally folded in half,” said Inglot jokingly.
The man behind this much-loved tournament is Craig Tiley. He sits in an office that is situated across from the player restaurant. “I want to be at the center, in the heart of it. Anyone can ask me any question any time and I’ll find a way to help then,” says Craig.
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