On Sunday, January 16th, Roddick and fellow big-namers all came together in an entertaining exhibition to raise money for the Queensland flood clean-up, reaching $1.5 million to aid in the crisis.

Rod Laver’s 15,000 fans enjoyed Team Gold take on Andy and Team Green, which was accompanied by comical on-court commentary from both players and scorekeeper Jim Courier. For a full report on the day, click here: http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2011-01-16/201101161295155838158.html

Stay tuned to AndyRoddick.com as our No. 1 American gets ready for a Monday start here in Melbourne Park.

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Down Under. Given this nickname for being the only continent with the majority of it’s permanent population residing under the equator, Australia commences every new year with an old friend- The Australian Open. Melbourne becomes the home of the world’s greatest tennis players for most of January, with 2011 kicking off by helping Queensland flood victims in an exhibition before play begins on Monday, January 17th, the day our No. 1 American takes on Czech Republic’s Jan Hajek, second on an 11am start in Hisense Arena.

Roddick(8) will be facing Hajek for the first time, even though these two pros both turned pro in 2000. The 27-year-old reached a career high of 71 back in 2006, but is currently ranked 96th. Coming into the first Slam of the year cold with no exhibitions under his belt, this unseeded player will be relying solely on his off-season training in an attempt to improve his career-best second round appearance here. These two players only have three things in common: they are both right-handed, they both idolized Andre Agassi, and they both want to reach Round 2.

Here are more stats on Hajek:
Age:27 (07.08.1983)
Birthplace:Olomouc, Czech Republic
Residence:Olomouc, Czech Republic
Height:5’11″ (180 cm)
Weight:176 lbs (80 kg)
Plays:Right-handed
Turned Pro:2000
Coach:Igor Brukner

Next to the US Open, the AO boasts the best fans and most interactive crowds, drawing “NetHeads” from all around the globe. With summer in full force here, the heat can reach nearly 120 degrees Fahrenheit courtside. Also, the rain can storm in on a moment’s notice, which is why Rod Laver and Hisense Arenas now have retractable roofs. Embarking on it’s 42nd year here, the Australian Open is ready to serve and rally with the best and for the best. For full tournament details, go to www.australianopen.com .

Stay tuned to AR.com for everything Down Under at the first Slam of the year.

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With the first Grand Slam of the season only days away, AndyRoddick.com is already working on getting you behind the scenes access. Earlier this week, Andy met with an impressive crowd to promote the new fragrance Lacoste Challenge at Myer in Melbourne. Wife, Brooklyn Decker, tweeted from the appearance, “Crowd waiting to see Andy… I’m hiding… Hehe I want to start yelling embarrassing things, I’ll refrain.”

Check out the full gallery of Andy’s Lacoste Challenge appearance!

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The draw for the Australian Open was made on Friday. Seeded eighth, Andy has been drawn to face Jan Hajek in the first round.

The Australian Open gets underway on Monday. After he reached the final in Brisbane, Andy has spent this week practising in Melbourne. Andy has been placed in the bottom half of the draw and is seeded to meet Juan Monaco in the third round and Gael Monfils in the fourth round. Andy is in the same quarter of the draw as defending champion, Roger Federer.

See the full men’s singles draw here:

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/draws/ms/r1s4.html

Andy has enjoyed several good runs at the Australian Open. He is a four-time semi-finalist and last year narrowly lost a five-set match to Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals. Andy also played one of his most memorable matches in Melbourne, when in 2003 it took him five hours and a 21-19 final set to get past Younes El Aynaoui in the quarter-finals.

Stay tuned to AndyRoddick.com as we bring you all the latest from the first Grand Slam of 2011!

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Andy has donated $10,800 to the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal in Australia after he reached the final at the Brisbane International last week.

Prior to the tournament, Andy pledged to donate $100 for every ace he served. Andy hit a total of 54 aces throughout the week and following his final against Robin Soderling Andy announced he would be doubling his donation, therefore bringing the total to $10,800.

This month the ATP and WTA will also be helping the Queensland Government’s Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal by donating $10 for every ace hit by their players in Brisbane, Sydney and the Australian Open.

The flooding in Queensland has caused widespead devastation. If you would like to donate, please visit the following link for more information on how to do so:

http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

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