Australian Open 2026 is breaking attendance records as fans and tennis lovers come through the turnstiles despite the severe heat being experienced in Melbourne. It is often referred to as the ‘Happy Slam’ and Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has no shortage of happy memories from his playing days in the Victorian sporting capital. “It’s called the Happy Slam for a reason. Australian fans are very sports-loving and generally very friendly. It was always a pleasure playing at the Australian Open,” Paes told The Indian Express. The winner of 18 Grand Slam titles in men’s and mixed doubles and four at the year-end ATP Tour finals as well as an Olympic medal in singles, Paes is considered one of the greatest players in his discipline in the history of the sport. He has experienced great highs on some of the revered courts in the game, and has partnered some of the greats of the game, including compatriots Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza. Four of his Grand Slam titles – one in men’s doubles and three …