Have you ever wondered how your favourite players spend their time while they’re in Melbourne?
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From coffee runs and carefully curated outfits to golden sunsets and day-off adventures, the city becomes part of the tournament’s identity. Players arrive with kit bags and leave with camera rolls full of memories and, inevitably, photo dumps.
Heading into the ‘Happy Slam’, players rarely hold back when asked about their love for Melbourne and the Australian Open. For many, it represents a refreshing way to start the season.
“Peaceful places that I can walk around and just be with my team, really calm” Carlos Alcaraz said, capturing how many players feel upon arriving. Amid the intensity of tour life, Melbourne offers a rare balance for some.
While some players like to closely guard their favourite spots, a handful of restaurants have become favourites including Nobu, Rockpool, Spice Temple and Koko.
There’s something about the city that captivates players – whether it’s the vibrant atmosphere, the gorgeous surroundings, the coffee culture or the people themselves. For most, opening the Slam season in Melbourne is the perfect way to set the tone for the season ahead.
For Australian players like Alex De Minaur, the tournament carries even deeper resonance. “Every time I walk out there, I’m playing in front of my home crowd. That’s what makes it special and what it’s all about”, he said.
The familiarity of home, combined with the energy of local support, transforms the experience entirely.
New Australian citizen Daria Kasatkina is feeling a range of emotions ahead of her first home Grand Slam in front of such a lively crowd.
“I had a thought it would be so nice to have a home Slam, but I would never imagine that it will become real”, she said.
Speaking about her citizenship ahead of the AO, she said that she “can’t even describe how much this means, because it’s not just about the passport, it’s about the acceptance”.
Playing in her first Grand Slam representing Australia, Kasatkina is relishing the support from the Australian fans for the first time.
This year, Donna Vekic checked out the NGV Vivienne Westwood exhibition, Australia’s own Talia Gibson sailed along the Yarra River, and Nuno Borges headed to the beach at St Kilda.
Naomi Osaka, Grigor Dimitrov, Learner Tien and Venus Williams got up close and personal with some friendly (and some scary) Aussie animals.
Melbourne offers players far more than a backdrop for tennis – it becomes a place to reset, explore and simply live.
Whether it's discovering local dining favourites, connecting with the Aussie crowd, embracing new beginnings like Daria Kasatkina, or venturing out to exhibitions, river cruises and wildlife encounters, the city truly leaves its mark on everyone who passes through it.