Game, Set, Music: 15 nights of pre-match entertainment set for Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open 2026 will make history with 15 nights of world-class music acts lighting up Rod Laver Arena before play, another Grand Slam first.

For the first time ever, fans will experience live performances every night of the main draw, transforming Rod Laver Arena into a stage for some of the biggest names in music before the world’s best tennis players take to the court.

The line-up features a mix of international icons and Australian stars, including:

Cody Simpson on Night 1, Sunday 18 January, with a high-energy rendition of the Robbie Williams Classic 'Let Me Entertain You'.

American superstar Patti LaBelle bringing her legendary hit 'Lady Marmalade' on Thursday 29 January before the women’s semifinals.

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Sophie Ellis Bextor will perform her smash hit 'Murder On The Dance Floor' on men’s finals night, Sunday 1 February.

Other highlights include:

A Melbourne Symphony Orchestra ensemble performing the 'Sound of The AO' on Friday 30 January.

National anthem performances by Paulini at the men’s final, the Pitchface choir from Melbourne’s Western Suburbs at the women’s final, and Daniel Makunike from MJ the Musical on Australia Day.

“This is a first for any Grand Slam tournament and truly reflects the Australian Open’s evolution into a global sports and entertainment experience," Tennis Australia’s Head of Live Events John O’Neil said.

“From staging performances prior to the two finals just six years ago, to now every night of the main draw, the AO is more than tennis.”

Other entertainment across the AO includes Crowded House performing at the inaugural AO Opening Ceremony on Saturday 17 January, featuring the ‘Battle of the world No.1s’ between six-time AO champion Roger Federer, four-time AO champ Andre Agassi and Aussie legends Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.