His creativity and energy helped elevate the Australian Open to be on a par with the other three grand slams and set a benchmark for major sporting events in Australia and around the world.

We are looking forward to having a fresh new look for Rod Laver Arena and the Melbourne Park site for 2006.

Tennis Australia wishes to pay tribute to Paul for his efforts over the past 12 years which have established the Australian Open as one of the world's marquee sporting events. His creativity and energy helped elevate the Australian Open to be on a par with the other three Grand Slams and set a benchmark for major sporting events in Australia and around the world. He leaves the Australian Open in a very healthy state after another hugely successful tournament.

The Australian Open Centenary of 2005 raised the bar to new levels of excitement and entertainment at the Grand Slam of Asia/Pacific,

Melbourne people are very good at supporting it. We have 100,000 people who come from outside of Melbourne and we would expect those people, that sort of support, to continue.

We bonded right after the tragedy. Kyle was unbelievable. He was definitely not defeated, he was the energy guy and he's emotionally tough. He had a great week.