In the countdown to Australian Open 2023, Victorians are getting a taste of the Grand Slam as the magnificent trophies hit the road on a tour that will visit more than 20 communities across the state as part of AO on the Road.
The popular tour will see the spectacular Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup crisscross Victoria, taking in the Goldfields, Gippsland, Macedon Ranges and Daylesford, the Great Ocean Road, and the Murray.
“AO on the Road is a wonderful initiative because it creates a tangible connection for people across Victoria to the amazing event that is the Australian Open,” Australian tennis champion and former Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald said.
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“Having travelled to many towns as part of AO on the Road myself, I’ve experienced how special it is to be able to bring these magnificent and historic trophies to country Victoria. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase our fantastic regional tennis communities and the tremendous work so many are doing to get more people of all ages involved in tennis.”
AO on the Road is supported by the state government through Visit Victoria and was launched on the banks of the Yarra River by the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, the Hon Steve Dimopoulos MP.
“Victoria is the proud home of the best Grand Slam in the world and to mark 100 days to go we’re making sure locals get the chance to experience a taste of the event through the trophy tour before we take it to the world stage,” the Hon Steve Dimopoulos MP said at the launch.
“The Australian Open will be the first of many amazing major events in Melbourne in 2023, attracting thousands of visitors to the region, supporting local businesses and jobs.”
Bendigo was the first official stop for AO on the Road on Saturday 15 October; the trophies were part of the 75th anniversary celebrations for the Bendigo Tennis Association, and some of the best regional players from around the state competed as part of the Inter-academy Challenge.
Players and members of the community enjoyed the chance to pose with the silverware, affectionately known as Norm and Daphne, like so many AO champions have before them, as well as meet Australian wheelchair tennis star Heath Davidson. The trophies also visited some of the region’s iconic landmarks including the Central Deborah Goldmine, the Bendigo Art Gallery and the Capital Theatre.
As part of AO on the Road, the Australian Open trophies are next scheduled to visit Orbost, Corryong, Castlemaine, Port Fairy and Yarrawonga.
Tennis legends including Fitzgerald and Todd Woodbridge will make special appearances along the way, meeting fans, visiting local tennis clubs and checking out some of Victoria’s unique landmarks.
Just as the best of Victoria will be showcased at the Australian Open through the impressive program of local chefs, restaurants, performers and artists, the spectacular trophies will bring some of the prestige and excitement of the tournament to towns and landmarks across the state.