As the first Grand Slam® tournament of the year, the Australian Open holds a special place in the tennis calendar. The world's leading players and emerging talents gather in Melbourne refreshed and ready to push the boundaries as they strive to make a successful start to the season. Dating back to 1905, the event has featured some of the greatest players and most memorable matches in the sport's history. Originally played on grass, it switched to the signature blue hard courts when relocating to Melbourne Park in 1988. Rolex became Official Timekeeper in 2008 as part of the brand's unwavering commitment to supporting the development of the game worldwide.