1969 Australian Open

The semi-final between Rod Laver and Tony Roche was played in 105-degree heat. That contest dragged on for more than four hours, both players putting wet cabbage leaves in their hats to help them keep cool. The Men's singles title was eventually won by Rod Laver defeating Andrés Gimeno. Margaret Court took her 8th singles title and the $1,500 prize from Billie Jean King and swept the tournament with Women's doubles and Mixed. The 1969 Australian Open was the only year in the Open era that a mixed doubles championship was staged, until resumption in 1987. Marty Riessen and Margaret Court shared the title with Fred Stolle and Ann Haydon-Jones because the final was not played due to a lack of time. It was also the last year that a junior mixed doubles championship was played, Australians Geoff Masters and Barbara Hawcroft taking the title.^[1][2] Laver's win was the first step towards his second Grand Slam.

Rod Laver defeated Andrés Gimeno, 6–3, 6–4, 7–5

Margaret Court defeated Billie Jean King, 6–4, 6–1

Rod Laver / Roy Emerson defeated Ken Rosewall / Fred Stolle, 6–4, 6–4

Margaret Court / Judy Tegart-Dalton defeated Rosemary Casals / Billie Jean King, 6–4, 6–4

Margaret Court / Marty Riessen and Ann Haydon-Jones / Fred Stolle (Shared title – final not played)

• Official website