The Australian Open Trophy Tour arrived in Canberra today as it continues its journey ahead of the 2011 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

The Norman Brookes Challenge Cup (men’s trophy) and Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup (women’s trophy) made their way to Parliament House in the morning before descending on the courts at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Australian Sports Commission (ASC) CEO Matt Miller was on hand with AIS athletes Alicia Coutts (swimming), Simone Nalder (netball), Robbie Crowther (athletics), Teagan Ashmore (netball) and Anthony Drmic (basketball) to welcome the trophies onto the AIS Tennis Courts.

“The Australian Open Trophy Tour is an excellent way to showcase these magnificent trophies,” Miller said. “To have the AIS Pro Tour Tennis Program as part of the tour recognises the significance of the program in developing our elite athletes.

“The Australian Sports Commission and the AIS share a wonderful partnership with Tennis Australia and I look forward to this continuing long into the future.”

Earlier in the day Minister for Sport Mark Arbib greeted the two trophies as they arrived at Parliament House.

For the first time in Australian Open history the winner of the men’s and women’s singles titles will take home an exact full-size replica trophy instead of the miniature replica past champions have received.

Following their recent debut at the Australian Open 2011 launch, the tour visits Port Pirie, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Perth, Esperance, Sydney, Canberra, Rockhampton, Brisbane and Bendigo before finishing their journey at Melbourne Park on 17 January, day one of Australian Open 2011.