All eyes will be on the AO 2026 entertainment — but shouldn't it be on the tennis?

Craig Tiley addresses the audience at the 2026 Australian Open launch. (Daniel Pockett/Getty)

Australian Open and innovation. The two always go hand in hand.

Unlike Wimbledon, where tradition takes precedence, the Australian Open always adopts a proactive approach to get the world talking, ensuring in their mind that there is no doubt that the first Grand Slam of the year is the best of the four.

And credit where credit is due for refusing to remain stagnant. Change is always welcome in any form of life, but is too much change a good thing?

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At the official 2026 Australian Open launch, a new and improved three-week entertainment extravaganza was announced, including the following:

• Opening Week will see the entire precinct open from day one for the first time, with affordable family tickets and free entry for kids on day one.

• Million-dollar 1-point Slam, where 22 pros will compete against 10 amateurs from across the country for their chance to take home $1 million, headlined by world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz.

• AO Live will transform the AO into Melbourne's ultimate summer festival, with 21 days of music across the precinct.

• The Highline will give fans elevated views, extra shade, and a seamless connection to the reimagined Courtside Bar for the ultimate tennis viewing experience.

• Double Storey Grand Slam Oval will offer more seating, plenty of shade, and prime views of the big screens

"Australian Open 2025 set a new benchmark, and in 2026, we're raising the bar even higher," Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.

"From the fierce rivalries and rising stars on court to unforgettable moments across the precinct, the AO continues to push the envelope as a global force in sport and entertainment. It's a platform like no other for our fans, our players and global brands."

Just 12 months prior, Tiley said this:

"Following a record-breaking 2024, we're aiming for an even bigger Australian Open celebration, launching the tennis season globally with more tennis, more entertainment and a host of fresh initiatives to bring fans closer to the action than ever before."

Every year, the 'Happy Slam' aims to smash new records and, with that, profit, of course.

In 2025, the Australian Open welcomed a record 1.2 million fans through the gates, proving that these new entertainment initiatives are indeed working.

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Yet it's worth asking: where is the cutoff?

Through my own personal experience covering the 2025 Australian Open for The First Serve, it was a suffocating environment around the grounds, especially in the first couple of days of the main draw. There was barely room to move.

These new ideas are obviously designed to attract more fans to Melbourne Park, but is it for monetary gain or to help kids pick up a racquet? The answer is probably the former.

Although Kids Tennis Day is hosted during qualifying week, is that enough?

Look at the million-dollar 1-point Slam tournament, for example. With the rest of the entry list still to be revealed, Alcaraz is the first big-name confirmed. It doesn't sit well that a player who has already earned nearly $55 million in prize money alone could walk away with another million.

Shouldn't Tennis Australia invest that money into the grassroots system? With Australian talent wearing thin, it's clear that the junior pathway needs serious refinement and attention to detail.

Attractions such as TOPCOURT, which was introduced last year, offer live music, digital media, and gaming activities located at Middle Terrace, Birrarung Marr, across the road from the actual tennis itself.

And that's what the tournament should be about — the tennis.

Instead, there is a worrying imbalance when it comes to entertaining the people and creating an enjoyable experience for true tennis fans.

Records are bound to be broken once again in January, but how much more can Melbourne Park afford to expand to break new barriers?

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