What international sporting event held every year in January since 1905 lasts two weeks, sees over 500 000 visitors, consumes over 5000 pounds of curry, uses over 200,000 bottles of water and 100,000 espressos, takes place rain or shine, and crowns the first Grand Slam Champions of the new year? No, it is not an international bridge-playing competition - it is the Australian Open tennis tournament, held annually in Melbourne, Australia, at grandly-constructed Melbourne Park. The Australian Open, the first of the four annual Grand Slam events on the professional tennis tour the US Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon are the others, inaugurates the tennis year and does it in a grand style in a country that is equally synonymous with tennis greatness and laid-back hospitality.

The 2007 tourney was a real winner: great, competitive tennis with an international cast and equally intriguing stories from both the women's and the men's draw. Swiss genius Roger Federer defended his 2006 crown without losing a set, the first time a Grand Slam has been won in this fashion since Bjorn Borg won the 1980 French Open. Federer, who has said he plans to be in Melbourne next January to see if he can go for a third consecutive title, is a joy to watch. On the 15 000-seat Rod Laver Arena center court, Federer demolished American Andy Roddick in the semifinals 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 before dispatching the up-and-coming Fernando Gonzales of Chile in the finals.

Serena Williams' comeback was the story on the women's side. After a year of injuries and personal heartbreak, the unseeded Williams fought through a tough field, ousting five seeded players before thoroughly dominating world number one and tourney top-seed Maria Sharapova, of Russia, 6-1, 6-2, in the finals. Williams overcame issues with her conditioning for the victory, and appears to be back in the form that had her as the world's number one in 2002-2003.

The magnificent, 15,000 seat Rod Laver Arena, the event's center court, has a retractable roof as does one other major court here allowing play to continue on rainy days. The Open has a men's and a women's wheelchair division, to the great delight of fans and participants alike. Betting on the Open is legal, and some of the gambling revenue goes to Tennis Australia, the country's governing tennis board, which uses the money to promote tennis in Australia.

Tennis excitement is the centerpiece of the Open, but it certainly isn't the only attraction in Down Under's number-one city. Melbourne offers outstanding accommodations and brilliant summer weather remember, we are in the Southern Hemisphere, folks. The city is a neatly designed melting pot that overflows with style and sophistication. A labyrinth of arcades anlane waysys teems with charming restaurants, boutiques and nightspots. Potential day trips include the nearby wine country of the Yarra valley and the beautiful and relaxing beaches on the Mornington Peninsula. Phillip Island, to the east, sports sea-side cottages and is home to the impressive Penguin Parade. The Daylesford and Macedon Ranges rimming the city offer lush spas and great hiking.

You can retrieve ticket prices and other necessary information at Ticketsmyway.com Bring your sunscreen, a hearty appetite for the good life, and your flag to wave as you cheer on your countrymen and countrywomen. Everyone has fun at the Australian Open.