The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam tournament of the year and is played on hard courts made of a surface known as Plexicushion. Held in Melbourne, it features some of the most intense matches due to the extreme summer heat and long baseline rallies. While the Aussie Open is known for its fast-paced, exciting play and is one of the most fan-friendly tournaments in the world, it is not the only Grand Slam played on clay. That honor belongs to another Slam played in Paris with red clay underfoot.