“The Happy Slam” to Kick Off 2017

January 22, 2017 | By Luke Jensen
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Tennis fans, I am going to tell you about the biggest secret in professional tennis. Wherever I go in the world, tennis fans talk about their amazing adventures to tournaments like Wimbledon, the French Open, Indian Wells, Miami, the U.S. Open … But I never hear about the warmest tennis hotspot in the world: The Aussie Open!

If you ask any player or any fan who has experienced the Grand Slam Down Under, they will say how much fun they had going to the Aussie.

Now I realize Australia is on the other side of the world, but once you get there, you will find a nation of people who are a throwback to amazing hospitality. The Aussies are people who love to have fun and have a drink with ya’. The Aussies are proud of their country and their culture. Tennis Down Under is woven into the fabric of their DNA. From Rod Laver to Margaret Court and the many hall of famers in between, tennis is an Aussie religion!

From the tour events to the exhibitions leading up to the Aussie Open, the momentum builds to what Roger Federer calls "The Happy Slam.” If you want to experience a Grand Slam just a walk away from downtown, look into a trip to the land of wonder … the land Down Under!

So now for the tennis … heads up because Roger Federer is back! The Fed Express was sidelined in late 2016 with injuries, but things look good for him rolling into Melbourne. Andy Murray just rose to world number one, but he has never won an Aussie Open title. I like Stan the Man to take his second Aussie this year. I also like a very aggressive Serena Williams to take another Grand Slam and break her title record tie with Steffi Graf. There are some solid players who will challenge, but Serena is still Serena!

I cannot wait … bring on the 2017 season!

Living large with the chip and charge to the Aussie Open.


Luke Jensen
Director of Tennis, Sea Island Tennis Center

Raised in Ludington, Mich., Luke Jensen’s resume includes 10 ATP Tour doubles titles. He was also a member of the U.S. Davis Cup teams that reached the finals in 1991 and won in 1992. His ambidextrous play, including his ability to serve the ball with either hand at 130 mph, earned him the nickname “Dual Hand Luke.” Luke is currently director of racket sports at West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y. He may be reached by phone at (315) 403-0752 or e-mail LukeJensen84@yahoo.com.

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