Year's first grand slam tournament injects $240m into local economy

Premier Denis Napthine caught up with world No. 14 Ana Ivanovic at Melbourne Park. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: News Limited

MELBOURNE is on show to the world as one of our biggest sporting spectacles takes centre stage, starting today.

The Australian Open will inject more than $240 million into the local economy as hundreds of thousands flock to Melbourne Park and millions more watch on television.

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Scorching weather and some gruelling round 1 challenges will mark the start of the open, as the biggest stars of the game battle for a share in the $33 million prize pool.

Lleyton Hewitt hits the court for a practice session at Melbourne Park. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Limited

Defending men's champion Novak Djokovic said it felt good to be back.

"The Australian Open is definitely my most successful grand slam, my favourite grand slam," he said.

"It's the start of the season, so most of the players share the same opinion.