The Glam Slam men’s and women’s singles finals will take place on Court 3 on Sunday 2 February, men’s final day, and marks the third year the Australian Open has hosted one of the world’s biggest LGBTQI+ tennis tournaments.
Victorian Government Minister for Equality, the Hon Martin Foley, announced the white letters of the iconic ‘Melbourne’ sign on the baseline on Court 3 would be transformed into rainbow colours for the occasion and called for fans to come out and support the players and the event.
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley joined Minister Foley at the Glam Slam launch event, part of Tennis Australia’s Open4All diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“Tennis needs to continually strive to be the most inclusive sport in the world,” Craig Tiley said.
“Everyone should feel that they can be a part of our sport regardless of gender, ability, race, religion or sexuality.
“We have an opportunity through an event like the Glam Slam to make people more aware that they are welcome to be a part of tennis. We look forward to seeing a big crowd turn out for the finals on Court 3.”
Both the men’s and women’s finals and an exhibition celebrity match will be the culmination of a tournament featuring more than 200 players from 30 countries. It is the only LGBTIQ+ tennis event in the world to be staged concurrently with a Grand Slam tournament at the same venue.
Glam Slam tournament organiser Rowen D'Souza is delighted the Glam Slam final will benefit from the additional exposure of being staged at Court 3, and with the announcement the Melbourne court sign will sport the rainbow colours.
“What I like about it is it’s a real symbol of belonging,” D’Souza said.
“It shows we have so much support from all sorts or organisations in tennis and Government, and in the community. It’s going to be amazing.
“Everyone is so excited about playing the finals on Court 3, no one else around the world has that kind of support at a Grand Slam.”
The Glam Slam is an international tennis event sanctioned by the Gay Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) and takes place at the clay courts at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open from Thursday 30 January. The finals will be at Court 3 on Sunday 2 February.