Clive James, the late formidable critic, traced the fundamental differences between the United States and Australia, his native land. “Superficially, Australia is like America; and yet profoundly different. … The differences reside precisely in the discrepancy of scale, which finally dictates that Australia, short of physical power, must rely on influence instead. In times of trouble, the United States can send the Screaming Eagles. Australia must send Cate Blanchett.”
These same sensibilities express themselves at the Australian Open. This major lacks the scope and boisterous sweep of the U.S. Open, the tradition and elegance of Wimbledon, the style and Paris-in-the-spring magic of Roland Garros. But it has a great deal of cultural charm.
Related: Australian Open Men’s Predictions: Can Anyone Stop Novak Djokovic?
