Before the Australian Open adopted blue Plexicushion, its Rebound Ace courts were green.
Rebound Ace was the Australian Open’s official surface from the tournament’s move to Melbourne Park in 1988 until 2007. The green cushioned hardcourt was installed across the venue, including the main stadium then known as the National Tennis Centre and later Rod Laver Arena.
Tennis Australia replaced Rebound Ace with Plexicushion for the 2008 tournament. The change introduced the blue courts now strongly associated with the Australian Open. Rebound Ace had become controversial because some players argued that it could feel sticky in hot weather and contribute to difficult movement, although investigations did not establish that it was uniquely dangerous compared with other hardcourts.
The color can help separate the surface eras: green Rebound Ace came first, blue Plexicushion followed, and blue GreenSet replaced Plexicushion for the 2020 event. The brands describe court systems; they are not names for the colors themselves.