Nearly $100 million (AUS) has been spent on enhancements to Melbourne Park and its Vodafone Arena since the mid-1990s. The latest development is the "True Blue" Plexicushion court surface, which promises better heat tolerance, cushioning and consistency than its predecessor. And, so far so good--the Australian Open lead-up events also installed the surface so players would have appropriate warm-up time. Word is that Roger Federer, the defending champ who seeks his fourth title in Melbourne, is a fan.

 

Players will be treated to Hawk-Eye Video Line Calling for the first time on stadium court, which is sure to pump up the already exuberant fans.

 

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ESPN 2: Following up last year's record viewership for the final showdown between Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, the network is broadcasting an unprecedented 137 hours of coverage on TV. As usual, other ESPN channels will provide updates, as well. Click for schedule.

 

 

New format: To help keep you prepared for the water-cooler talk at work, every other issue of the Tenniswire Bulletin in 2008 will feature a full list of headlines since our last edition. Take a look below...