The Australian Open 2026: A Thrilling Launch to an Unforgettable Tournament
The excitement was palpable on Tuesday morning as the Australian Open 2026 media preview kicked off. Legendary Australian tennis players Todd Woodbridge and Jelena Dokic welcomed Tournament Director Craig Tiley to the stage, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament ahead.
Craig Tiley beamed with enthusiasm, stating, “It’s pretty cool to be here. We like to up the ante every year. More than 2 billion people watched the Open around the globe in 2025, and our fans want bigger and better every year.”
In 2026, the Australian Open will span an ambitious 21 days, and the festivities are set to begin on a high note. On the first Monday, Tiley announced a fantastic initiative: all kids will enter for free during the opening week! It’s an incredible opportunity to introduce the next generation to the thrill of live tennis, fostering a love for the sport that could last a lifetime.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Tuesday nights will feature thrilling charity matches, giving fans a unique chance to see their favourite players up close. With open practice sessions scheduled, spectators will have the rare opportunity to watch the best players in the world fine-tune their skills just before the tournament heats up. It’s the perfect time to soak in the atmosphere and get a glimpse of the tennis greats in action!
As the opening week culminates, families can look forward to Kids Tennis Day, where more than 5,000 rackets will be given away! It’s a heart-warming initiative to inspire young athletes and create lasting memories for families attending the event.
But perhaps the most electrifying announcement of the launch was the introduction of the ‘One Million, One Point Slam.’ Set to take place on Wednesday, January 14th, this unique event will feature a showdown between Australians, professional players, and celebrities under the dazzling lights of Rod Laver Arena. The stakes are high: if you can let’s say outplay, Carlos Alcaraz, you’ll walk away with a staggering one million dollars! This thrilling spectacle promises to be a highlight of the tournament, blending sports, celebrity, and the spirit of competition in a way that has never been done before.
This year, the AO experience is also reaching new heights when it comes to food, beverages, and music, with the announcement that US burger giant ‘Shake Shack’ will be setting up shop! Food lovers rejoice, as there will also be roving food options available, making it easier than ever to grab a bite without the long lines. And that’s not all; AO Live is bringing an incredible line-up of concerts featuring The Kid LAROI, Spacey Jane, and The Veronicas, among others. Even if tennis isn’t your game, you won’t want to miss out on the biggest summer event of the season, there is literally something for all.
Mark Philippoussis who was also excited for the 2026 media preview, took the stage alongside Todd Woodbridge and Jelena Dokic, igniting the media with a nostalgic tale from his youth. Mark, recounted how, at just 13 years old, he watched the iconic Rod Laver Arena being built and dreamed of one day playing on the hallowed centre court. “I used to chase autographs,” he recalled, his voice filled with passion, “and then, at 19, I found myself facing off against Pete Sampras, a teenager from Melbourne with nothing to lose.” Todd couldn’t resist chiming in, playfully declaring, “smashed him!”
Indeed, Philippoussis’s stunning victory over the world No. 1 in straight sets remains etched in great tennis memories. His thunderous serve left Sampras reeling.
The Australian Open 2026 is set to be an electrifying experience for all, so grab your tickets and don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary tournament!
By Melinda Sullivan
Photography Fiona Hamilton
Please visit https://ausopen.com/
