Tennis fans, rejoice. The Southern Hemisphere's largest annual sporting event – the Australian Open – is back, with thousands of fans flocking to Melbourne Park to watch the world’s best players battle it out for the big shiny trophy (and a hefty cash prize). If you can’t get to Melbourne but are keen to get amongst the action – preferably with a drink in hand – we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to watch the Aus Open in Sydney – including the ones offering tennis-inspired specials. Heading down south to experience it IRL? Here’s everything you need to know about the tournament, including how to score tickets.
When is the Australian Open?
The tournament kicked off on Monday, January 6 and will run until Sunday, January 26.
Where to watch the Australian Open in Sydney
Sydney is home to a heap of sprawling sports bars, with venues across the city screening the tournament live with flowing drinks and competitive spirit on tap. To find the best option in your area, check out our list of the best sports bars in the city. And though most sports bars will be screening the matches, a few select venues are turning it up a notch.
First up: the Woollahra Hotel. This bougie neighbourhood boozer will be transforming its upstairs space into a tennis-inspired Champagne Terrace until January 31, with screenings across all rooms in the two-level venue. Come for the tennis, stay for the sparkling – with live screenings of AO25 accompanied by flowing Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. This French Riviera-inspired Piper-Heidsieck pop-up will be the only one of its kind outside of Melbourne, with $99 bottles of Piper-Heidsieck, and complimentary magnums for groups of eight or more who book the banquet menu. You can check out the menu and book a table over here.
If you’re eager to get active, nearby Centennial Homestead will be hosting vodka-fuelled pickleball games at its dreamy rooftop terrace in the heart of Centennial Park. From January 10 until January 25, the Grey Goose Pickleball Court will be up and running at the venue – with 30-minute timeslots available to book, a specially curated menu featuring Grey Goose cocktails and live screenings of AO25 across the big screen. Keen? You can book over here.
Rather watch from home? You can watch all the Australian Open matches live and free across the Nine Network, or catch them ad-free on Stan Sport.
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