For as long as I can remember, tennis has been a thread woven through my life—watching epic matches, playing for the love of the game, as well as being a teaching pro for 20 years! But attending the Australian Open? That was the dream. This year, I finally checked that bucket list item off in spectacular fashion, experiencing the first three rounds of what I can confidently call the best tournament I’ve ever attended.

As the Australian Open enters its championship weekend, here are some of my adventures I had along the way:

From the moment I stepped into Melbourne Park the energy was electric yet somehow relaxed—a perfect balance of high-stakes competition and pure enjoyment under the warm sun. Fans from around the globe mingled in a celebration of sport, culture, and camaraderie. And a few boos!

The sprawling grounds were easy to navigate with world-class amenities. I was hooked on the locally-sourced salmon poke bowl from a spot called Fishbowl. But the really cool part is that you can bring in your own food and drink which makes the outing so much more accessible and affordable, especially for families.

Live music echoed through open-air lounges. Even the long summer days felt curated for tennis lovers, with matches unfolding under vibrant blue skies and transitioning into thrilling night sessions beneath the lights. I got to see so many superstars in action: Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton and Jannik Sinner to name a few.

Watching tennis legends and rising stars battle it out up close was surreal. The intensity, the athleticism, the strategy—it all felt more alive in person. The crowd’s collective gasps, cheers, and standing ovations created an atmosphere I’ll never forget.

When I wasn’t watching tennis I took a few sightseeing trips. I had a memorable day on French Island – home of 100 people and 20,000 koalas!

My favorite day was on Phillip Island which has the largest Little Penguin habitat in the world. We saw over 1,000 Little Penguins parade at dark from the ocean to their burrows!

Now I’m back home and ready to root for Americans Madison Keys and Ben Shelton in their matches. (Keys started the Kindness Wins non-profit for access to youth sports which I love.) And with my new joints I’m back playing tennis and pickleball and ready whenever you need a partner, Portland!

I’m so thankful for my Australian Open trip. It isn’t just a tennis tournament; it’s a celebration of sport at its finest. If you’ve ever dreamed of going, make it happen. Trust me, the Aussies know how to serve up an experience you’ll never forget!