Melbourne VIC, Australia, 2 September 2016 | Tennis Australia

Tennis Australia has extended its partnership with California Sports Surfaces as the official court surface provider for the Australian Open and Emirates Australian Open Series for a further two years.

Plexicushion Prestige has served as the official surface for all Australian Open courts since 2008, superseding Rebound Ace. The extension of the agreement will see all Australian Open and Emirates Australian Open Series courts in six capital cities around the country retain the Plexicushion Prestige surface until at least Australian Open 2019.

Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said Plexicushion Prestige was a superior court surface favoured by many of the world’s leading tennis players.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with California Sports Surfaces until the conclusion of Australian Open 2019,” Tiley said.

“Plexicushion Prestige has been our preferred surface for the Australian Open and Emirates Australian Open Series events since 2008, and the feedback we receive from players competing at tournaments around the country is consistently positive.

“We look forward to continuing to provide the world’s best tennis players with a world class court surface throughout the summer of tennis.”

Since 2007 Tennis Australia has invested more than $20 million in community tennis venues, with many venues upgrading to the Plexicushion surface.

California Sports Surfaces Managing Director Steven Lock said the extension of the agreement was good news for tennis players and fans.

“California Sports Surfaces is proud to have played a small part in the growth and ongoing success of the Australian Open,” he said.

“We have arguably seen some of the best tennis ever played throughout the Australian Open Plexicushion era and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Tennis Australia’s Australian Open and Emirates Australian Open Series events.”

California Sports Surfaces is with world’s largest manufacturer of acrylic sports surface systems and the only manufacturer to produce Grand Slam surfaces including Plexipave, Deco Turf and Rebound Ace.

The custom-designed Plexicushion Prestige ‘True Blue’ courts have become a trademark of world class tennis events throughout Asia and Australia, favoured for their comfort, durability and performance.