Three-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi has joined four-
time time winner Monica Seles in praising Melbourne Park's Rebound
Ace courts.

Agassi, who lifted the Sir Norman Brookes trophy as Australian Open
champion in 1995, 2000 and 2001 and carries a 32-3 career record at
Melbourne Park into the championship, believes the courts offer the
chance for any playing style to be successful.

"We all have to make adjustments (to playing surfaces)," he said
when asked if the courts seemed faster than in previous years.

"I feel that the court is still a great court to play on. You can
still, with the conditions, work it from the back of the court or
you can get more aggressive and take your chances. Overall it's
always been a pretty fair court for whatever style you play."

Agassi's comments came just a day after Seles weighed in with her
approval of the courts that have in the past drawn comment from her
peers.

"Each year is a bit different. I remember one year when they were
really fast and everyone complained ... I'm really happy with it,"
Seles said.

"It bounces a lot higher and you have to adjust your footwork
because the ball doesn't come to you; you have to get to the
ball ... there's so much give for your body, which is great compared
to hard courts."

While both Agassi and Seles extolled the virtues of Melbourne Park,
Mark Philippoussis commended the heat policy put in place by
Australian Open organizers.

The extreme heat policy allows the tournament referee Peter
Bellenger to suspend the start of any matches if the temperature
exceeds 35 degrees (Celsius).

Tournament officials will also consult the bureau's Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (WBGT), a more complex reading that combines air
temperature with relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed.

If the WBGT reading is 28 degrees or above, the tournament referee
has the discretion to stop any further matches going on court. Both
readings must occur simultaneously.

Matches that have already started will continue, but any further
matches in either Rod Laver Arena or Vodafone Arena can be played
with the roof closed until their completion.

Philippoussis, who will continue his comeback from knee surgery at
his national championship, lauded the new policy.

"I don't know exactly what temperature it was where they'll stop it,
but sometimes when it gets into the 40s (Celsius) it's even hotter
on the court and it does get a little dangerous," the Melbourne
native said.

"I think at that stage it is a good rule."