Melbourne’s Docklands Studios was the site of the Australian Open 2026 launch on Tuesday, an immersive event attended by tennis stars, celebrities, digital content creators and leaders in the entertainment and hospitality industries.
Ausopen.com caught up with many of them after the launch – and discovered what they’re most excited about when they come to Melbourne Park in January.
Jelena Dokic
Former world No.4, Australian Open 2009 quarterfinalist, and now tennis broadcaster.
Ausopen.com: Is there one thing in particular that you're really excited to see?
"I'm really excited about the dining options, always. When you feel like it can't get better, it really does. So hopefully I can get to experience a few more of those this year… because I couldn't as much when I was a player, and even with the work that I do with TV, you sometimes forget to maybe take advantage of some of those opportunities. So I really look forward to getting out there and just enjoying the vibe and the atmosphere.”
And what's something you hope to see happen on court next year?
"There's so many amazing storylines, with the players. And it would be amazing to have a Sinner and Alcaraz final – that's the only [Grand Slam] final that they haven't played and it would be the one that obviously Alcaraz hasn't won... This is the one that he wants. So it would be amazing to see that final, because they're really, at the moment, ahead of the rest of the field, and they play incredible finals and incredible matches like they did this year.”
Mark Philippoussis
Former world No.8, Australian Davis Cup champion and two-time Grand Slam finalist.
Is there anything non-tennis related that you're excited to hear about today?
"It's that Million Dollar 1 Point Slam, because I was just thinking I'd better go outside and start stretching right after this, and getting on the practice court, because I think I'd like to check that out.”
FIND OUT MORE: Million Dollar 1 Point Slam
What's something that you want to see on court, that you're hoping AO 2026 will bring?
"The Sinner-Alcaraz final, that'll be incredible for everybody and the tournament. But if we can sneak in an Aussie player, to play one of those legends for that final, that would be pretty special. Of course we want to see an Aussie go deep, that's one thing I'd love. We've got a couple of players hopefully who can get in that second week, and the most important thing is just to get your foot in the door in the second week and then take things as they come. The crowd will be behind them and cheer them through. And let's see – anything can happen."
Todd Woodbridge
Four-time AO doubles champion, Olympic gold medallist, and award-winning broadcaster.
What are you most looking forward to seeing, non-tennis related, that's been announced today?
"I don't know if I will get to see this, because when you're hiding down in the commentary bunker as much as I do during the AO, you don't get a chance to sample some of the very fine food that is on offer. That's what I've got to find time during the tournament, is to get out there and go do a bit of fine dining, instead of something quick and on-the-run (laughter). When you're working for 21 days straight, which is what the AO is, remember – we've got the Opening Week, and then the two main-draw weeks – there's a lot to fill in. So at least one meal in one of those magnificent restaurants.”
And on court, what do you hope to see?
"I would love to see an Alcaraz-Sinner final at the Australian Open – finish the quartet of finals that they've had [after they played in the 2025 Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open finals]. But at the same time, I want to see them pushed. I want to see some real drama. And for that to happen, you've got this other generation that needs to step up and see whether they can do it.”
Alice Zaslavsky
Cookbook author, host of 'A Bite To Eat' and tennis fan who helped host the AO 2026 launch.
What are you most excited about for AO 2026? Anything that you've spoken about today that you're really keen to see?
"Obviously I'm very excited about the food at AO 2026. It is bringing together the best of Melbourne, of Australia, and of the world. You've got everybody from Rodney Dunn in Tasmania, you've got an incredible three-Michelin-star from L’Enclume in the UK, and of course you've got people like Bundjalung chef Mindy Woods coming back, you've got [Melbourne] locals like Shane Delia. It is such an interesting mix of people, and most importantly, it's a mix of people who love tennis!”
As someone who loves tennis yourself, what's something you hope to see happen on court?
"My six-year-old is obsessed with Aryna Sabalenka and I imagine a lot of Aussies are now. She just wants to see Sabalenka lift that trophy at the finals. But I'm looking forward to seeing some of the young guns come through as well. And hopefully we'll get to see Carlos and Jannik in the men's final too."
Elle Ray
Fashion and beauty digital content creator who co-hosted the Bluezone at Australian Open 2025.
Is there anything you've heard about, not on the court, that you're really excited to see?
"Something in particular that I'm looking forward to seeing has to be the beauty innovations... I know that it's going to be highly on my radar. And the food, of course; I'm a major foodie. The food last year was incredible and looks like it's going to be another 10/10 year at the AO for food.”
And something that you want to see happen on court?
"I just want to see some really good tennis, and I love when there's a bit of dance and a bit of fun on the court, so I'd love to see that too."
Louis Hanson
Presenter, writer, comedic content creator and a guest on the AO podcast The Tennis.
Is there anything that's not on the court, like some of the new initiatives, that you're really excited to see?
"I think the Million Dollar 1 Point Slam – wow, that's incredible. Shake Shack – when they started talking about that I saw a few eyes dart around and everyone was getting very excited about that. In particular the AO Shake Shack shake – that sounds very delicious.”
And something you want to see happen on court?
"The obvious answer is 'Sincaraz', let's get that together. But I want to see some of the young’uns come through. I have a soft spot for Joao Fonseca. I love Jack Draper. And even seeing some of the Aussies like Priscilla Hon, and Maya Joint – they've been having incredible seasons this year, and I would love to see that progress into AO 2026. I'm always going to cheer on the Aussies, and there are a lot of them this year, which is very exciting.”
Ross James Howse
Content creator and the brains behind @BanginSangas.
What are you most excited to see at AO 2026 that you've learned about today?
"Shake Shack, definitely. Very excited about that. It's my favourite American chain burger. Fond memories of that; been to America a couple of times and that's one I've always wanted to go to."
Is there anything on court that you want to see happen?
"I think Alcaraz-Sinner, for me. I think everyone wants to see that, don't they? That would be a great Grand Slam final, to be honest."