Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue and Artistic Director of Conde Nast, will attend the Australian Open in 2019 and headline the AO Inspirational Series on Thursday 24 January.
Widely regarded as the most influential figure in world fashion, Ms Wintour will be the keynote speaker at the AO Inspirational Series, an event designed to celebrate women’s achievements in all aspects of life and also shine a light on gender equality issues.
In recognition of her achievements, Ms Wintour will also be honoured at a special ceremony at Rod Laver Arena between the two women’s semifinals matches.
"As a lifelong tennis fan who's spent years watching the Australian Open on television at odd hours of the day and night in New York and elsewhere, I'm delighted to be headed to Melbourne to see my very first Australian Open up close and in-person," Wintour said.
"And - particularly given the dynamic state of today's women's tour - I'm very excited to speak about the transformative impact of women in the game, both on the court and off, in terms of what's been accomplished as well as what challenges remain."
January 2019 will mark the fourth edition of the AO Inspirational Series which has featured tennis luminaries and former Australian Open champions, including Billie Jean King, Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Kim Clijsters, along with speakers from business, the arts, media, sports and philanthropy.
The exclusive event is the brainchild of Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley, a founding member of Male Champions of Change Sport.
“I’m delighted to welcome Anna to Melbourne, to the Australian Open and as our special guest at the AO Inspirational Series,” Mr Tiley said.
“Anna has achieved so much throughout her career and she communicates with great wit and wisdom on the challenges we all face in this rapidly changing world, both professionally in our working lives, as well as personally.
“Some time ago Anna spoke about ‘not just playing the game, but redefining it’, which is one way you could describe her own success. It’s also a quote that resonates with what we aim to do here at the Australian Open as we push the boundaries to create new experiences and opportunities for our players, fans, broadcasters and media.
The AO Inspirational Series is also the curtain-raiser to a blockbuster day of women’s tennis. Four of the world’s top female players will fight for a berth in the Australian Open finals, with semifinals action commencing at Rod Laver Arena from 2.00pm.
With tennis players holding eight out of ten positions in Forbes’ annual ‘top 10 highest paid sportswomen’ list, fans will be in for a tennis treat, and likely to witness some of the world’s highest profile female athletes in action on centre court.
Tickets to the women’s semifinals, which will feature an on-court ceremony with Anna Wintour between matches, are available at ticketek.com.au