Why do some people say that Australia is in Asia so that the Australian Open should be the Grand Slam of Asia?

Answer 1

Firstly, many people making these types of claims are often merely disgruntled murmurers. Nevertheless, some are well-meaning, but lack the first-hand, inside information and experience on the precise issues involved.

Nevertheless, not to simply dismiss the question, there are a number of factors here:
Firstly, there are even 'elements' within Australia, who would wish Australians to unite with Asia - generally.
However, from the tennis vantage point, many see that Wimbledon and the French tournaments quite well cover the European tournaments. The US Open 'covers' the Western Hemisphere's entry. They are looking for something much bigger than the relatively small continent of Australia to represent the Eastern world, you might say.
By lumping Australians into an 'Asian' category, they psychologically achieve this perspective.
There are others, mainly from the Western Hemisphere, who feel that Australia might not have the numbers or the resources to stage an ongoing, world-class tournament, and really, they would prefer that the 4th Slam actually move to a different venue - somewhere in Asia. Hence, the reference. [I often wonder, though, whether they are more afraid of the dry Australian heat! Every tournament has its challenges, and, certainly, this is one connected with the Australian Open]
There is also the further consideration that the number of Asians entering the Tour continues to increase and it is some time since the Australians put in world class performances on court. But the same could be said to a degree of the English and the French.
However, despite all these various objections, the Australians love their sport and their tennis especially, and they have come up Trumps every time in providing a world class tournament and a world class 'sports' appreciative audience'; and nothing can substitute for that! Other than coping with the heat, the players love being there.