Despite fans enjoying a bigger Australian Open precinct than ever before – now stretching all the way from Flinders Street Station to Richmond Station – there are many places they can’t go.
“Staging a Slam” gives fans a glimpse into those areas.
The 14-and-a-half minute mini-documentary takes fans inside the media centre where journalists craft their stories, up to the eye-popping catwalk where photographers capture incredible imagery, and through the labyrinth of tunnels beneath Rod Laver Arena where players move about, out of the public eye.
“There’s probably no other tournament in the world that strives to improve its facilities and service to the players, and fans, and media,” says seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in the opening scene.
“I hope you guys would agree with that. Without a doubt, this is the best Slam, the most player-friendly Slam that we have.”
Print journalist Simon Cambers details what makes Naomi Osaka, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Frances Tiafoe so compelling to cover.
AO Radio chief executive Chris Bowers invites you inside the studio as his team prepare their plan of attack for the Australian Open fortnight and cover the action as it unfolds.
Getty photographer Julian Finney takes you up to the Rod Laver Arena catwalk, where you can see how he shoots a match in real time.
“This is just so unique – you don’t get this at any other Grand Slam,” he explains.
“All the photographers love coming up here; it’s just a clean picture. So strong, so steep. You get your best pictures from this position.
“It’s good that the tournament give us this access, because they could easily say no – it’s too dangerous, you can’t come here. It’s really nice to be able to shoot from this position.”
In addition, you will get a courtside position to watch Rafael Nadal practice and see how the 2019 tournament plays out to conclude with two compelling singles finals.
You can watch "Staging a Slam" now on ausopen.com.