By Dion Kombeng – EM TV Sport, Port Moresby
The likes of Venus Williams, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova are hard at work, with last minute preparations for the Australian Open.
The former grand slam champions are in Melbourne practicing at the iconic Melbourne Park.
The tournament will consist of events for professional players in singles, doubles and mixed doubles play. Junior and wheelchair players competed in singles and doubles tournaments.
The Australian Open is the first grand slam tennis event of the year and attracts tennis players from around the globe for a shot at the title.
Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are the respective defending champions in the men’s and women’s singles.
The Australian Open total prize money for 2016 was increased by A$4 million, to tournament record A$44,000,000.
This year’s tournament features Britain’s number two Heather Watson in the women’s singles event.
