In the lead-up to Australian Open 2026, we’re chatting to off-court superstars helping cement the AO’s reputation as one of the world’s premier sporting and entertainment events.
Today it’s Rodney Dunn, one half of the celebrated duo – along with Severine Demanet – from beloved Tasmanian restaurant The Agrarian Kitchen.
As part of an exciting first at AO Reserve in 2026, Dunn and Demanet, together with their team, will bring The Agrarian Kitchen to the light-filled AO Glasshouse.
Dunn is also a huge tennis fan, making his involvement with Australian Open 2026 all the more meaningful.
AUSOPEN.COM: How excited are you to be a part of the AO Reserve offering at the upcoming Australian Open?
RODNEY DUNN: "I’m absolutely thrilled. The Australian Open is such an iconic event – energetic, world-class, and proudly Australian – and to have The Agrarian Kitchen represented through AO Reserve is a real honour. It’s a chance to bring the philosophy of our farm and our cooking to a totally new audience in a setting that’s buzzing with life. It’s hard not to feel excited."
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What can diners look forward to when they experience The Agrarian Kitchen at AO Reserve?
"They can expect food that speaks of place. At The Agrarian Kitchen, everything starts with the garden, the farm, the seasons, and the people who grow and produce with care. For AO Reserve, we’re bringing that spirit forward – beautiful Australian produce, handled simply and respectfully, with flavour at the centre. It’s about generosity, warmth, and a sense of the land behind every dish."
As a tennis fan, how does it feel to have your culinary career lead to a collaboration with a Grand Slam tournament?
"It’s surreal in the best possible way. You grow up watching the Australian Open each summer, then suddenly you find yourself involved professionally – not on the court, of course, but contributing in your own way to the atmosphere. It’s a wonderful example of how food and sport can intersect to create an experience larger than either one alone."
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Will you find some time to watch any tennis while you’re at the Australian Open 2026?
"I certainly hope so! The kitchen always comes first, but I’d love to sneak out for a match or two. There’s nothing like the atmosphere of live tennis – the sound, the tension, the athleticism. It’s electric."
And who are your favourite players to watch right now?
"I enjoy players who bring artistry to the game. Watching the 2025 quarterfinal between Jannik Sinner and Alex De Minaur was amazing. As an amateur player myself I can appreciate how hard it is to play at that level. I also love watching athletes who bring a certain humility and work ethic to the court. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the way they carry themselves."
Being a tennis fan living in Tasmania – does that mean you’ve checked out the Hobart International? Or have you attended the AO previously?
"The Hobart International is a terrific event – intimate, accessible, and a great showcase of up-and-coming players. I’ve always appreciated having that level of tennis so close to home. And yes, I’ve had the chance to attend the AO before; it’s a completely different scale, but both events carry a wonderful sense of community."
Have any tennis players, past or present, eaten at The Agrarian Kitchen, or at Tetsuya’s when you worked in Sydney?
"I can’t say I’ve ever had the pleasure of cooking for a tennis star before. Certainly not that I know of. I will have to put it on the bucket list, it would certainly be an honour."
If you were tasked with curating a menu for elite tennis players, how might it look?
"It would focus on nourishment, balance and digestibility, food that supports performance without compromising pleasure. Of course it would centre around nutritionally-dense vegetables, sustainably raised proteins and of course whole grains and legumes. As The Agrarian Kitchen also has a strong focus on fermentation it would also feature heavily to help support a healthy microbiome and dial up the flavour. It would be food that helps them feel good on court but still super tasty and feels like… food."
What are you most looking forward to at Australian Open 2026 – firstly with AO Reserve, and secondly, on the tennis court?
"For AO Reserve, I’m most looking forward to seeing people experience the spirit of The Agrarian Kitchen in a totally new environment – watching diners light up when they taste something honest and delicious, something that reflects the land we come from.
"On the tennis court, I’m excited for the stories that emerge: the breakthroughs, the surprise runs, the five-set epics in the heat. The Australian Open has a way of producing unforgettable moments, and I can’t wait to be there for them."