Racquets ready - the all-new AO Tennis Club is coming to AO 2023, immersing tennis fans in a contemporary, eye-catching and action-packed precinct bringing grassroots participation to Melbourne Park like never before.
Celebrating the vital role played by tennis clubs across Australia, the AO Tennis Club will feature a bold orange Cardio Tennis and POP Tennis court, with a striking large-scale AO branding alongside a purpose-built Padel court complete with 360 degree viewing vantage point.
Tennis fans can hit the court and work up a sweat at Cardio and POP Tennis sessions throughout the AO. The Padel court, returning to AO 2023 after a smash hit debut on Grand Slam Oval this year, will again feature come and try sessions and celebrity appearances.
TICKETS: Book your Australian Open 2023 experience here
READ MORE: Australian Open 2023 targets record 900,000 fans
Raising the level of action in week two, AO Tennis Club will play host to the finals of Australia’s largest Padel tournament, with local, national and international players competing for more than $20,000 in prize money.
With more than 650,000 program participants, 300,000 club members and 2300 affiliated tennis venues and clubs across the country, the growth and sustainability of grassroots participation remains an ongoing priority for Tennis Australia.
“From the mid-week social player to the touring professional, almost every tennis players’ story begins at a tennis club somewhere in Australia,” Tennis Australia’s Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner said.
“Incorporating the AO Tennis Club at AO23 is a wonderful way to celebrate the importance of grassroots participation and serves as a fantastic opportunity to showcase what’s on offer at tennis clubs right across the country.
“Getting racquets in hands and showcasing the look and feel of tennis clubs to the hundreds and thousands of fans at the AO provides us with a wonderful opportunity to excite people about hitting up their local club and getting out on court.
“We want people to have a great experience at the AO Tennis Club and, just like tennis clubs across Australia, there’s something for everyone with hospitality, shaded seating, totem tennis, table tennis, and for the real enthusiasts, the opportunity to pick up a racquet and get out on court for all the action of with come and try sessions of Cardio Tennis, POP Tennis and Padel.”
With ample shade, seating and hospitality options on offer, tennis fans will be right at home with large viewing screens bringing all the live action of AO23 to the AO Tennis Club.
Grassroots participation state of play:
- 650,000+ program participants
- 300,000 club members
- 79,000 competitive players
- 5000 talent development players
- 2300 affiliated venues and clubs
- 18,000 tennis courts
- 25,000 community volunteers
- 3655 partner schools
- 3200 coach members
- 600 officiating members
- 650+ Tennis Australia and Member Association staff