Walk into Rod Laver Arena for the first time and the first thought is how much more futuristic it feels than Arthur Ashe or Wimbledon's Centre Court. That's largely because of the roof, creating a space bubble effect with a metal ceiling covering the seats and some of the playing surface.

The court area itself looks like a big swimming pool, its green surface sunk into the centre and surrounded by green-toned walls. With the roof closed it can feel more like a sauna, though this may be due to some air conditioning problems during the week. A closed roof also gvies it the feel of a basketball or hockey stadium, cut off from the elements.

Being able to get away from the elements come in handy the first week, thanks to the extremes of severe heat and insistent rain. The weather has disrupted matches all over the grounds, but those not on site will hardly have felt it because TV broadcasts have hardly been affected. It makes an incredible difference to the mental well-being of the officials, press and players scheduled on the show courts: unlike the other Slams, everything doesn't come to a shuddering halt.

The only interruption is the wait for the roof to be closed, which takes about 20 minutes. The thick slabs slide forward almost imperceptibly -- the only way to tell it's moving is by watching the inside edge inch away from the ceiling. By the time it actually closes, the middle of the court is sopping wet and has to be dried. That means another wait, though it doesn't really matter because things become pretty hazy anyway once the the fumes from the gas-powered blowers get up your nose. By the time you regain consciouness, play is back on.

It was over the drying of the court that Marat Safin launched his extended tirade against head referee Wayne McKewen after his match against Roddick the other day. There were some words exchanged on court as well, but that's one of the remaining drawbacks to watching a match live: you can't hear what's going on. Video screens mean that you no longer miss out on the closeups and stats, but it can never be as entertaining as Safin venting against 'cigar-smoking officials'.

On the other hand, one of the uncomparable advantages to being there live is the atmoshpere. The Aussie crowds are enthusiastic and fair, and appreciatively applaud great perofrmances even against their own, as after Gonzalez's stunning display against Hewitt on Saturday night. In fact, the first week has been a great week for night matches, with Safin's opening five-setter, Hewitt's first-round battle and Federer's awesome display against Djokovic also on the program.

That's apt because in its futuristic way, Rod Laver is a night-match stadium. During a clear day with the bright sunshine half blocked out, it can be like having to sit indoors on a nice day. At night, with the dark sky and the overhead lights gleaming over the swimming pool, it feels like the place to be.