Herald Sun returns as presenting partner for AO opening week 2026

The Herald Sun will return as presenting partner of Australian Open Opening Week in 2026, backing six days of live sport, entertainment and family-friendly experiences ahead of the three-week tournament.

Running from 12 to 17 January, Opening Week will feature charity matches, qualifying rounds, open practice sessions, Emirates Kids Tennis Day, live entertainment and activations across the precinct. The program offers players their final competitive hit-outs before the year’s first Grand Slam.

A key attraction will be the expanded AO 1 Point Slam driven by Kia on Rod Laver Arena, where players progress by winning a single point. Grassroots competitors from every state and territory will face off against top-ranked stars for a $1 million prize.

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“Opening Week is becoming a major event in itself with blockbuster showdowns, grassroots players taking on pros for life-changing money, rising stars fighting for main draw spots, live music, and the full AO experience with accessible prices,” Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia CEO, said.

“The Herald Sun helps us reach beyond the traditional tennis audience – from families looking for great value entertainment to casual fans who want world-class sport, live music and atmosphere,” he said.

“As presenting partner, we're connecting our audiences to world-class tennis, entertainment and that unmissable AO atmosphere. This is exactly the kind of accessible, compelling experience that resonates with Herald Sun readers – whether they're lifelong tennis fans or families looking for their first taste of the Australian Open,” Agostino Giramondo, News Corp Australia's state and communities managing director for Victoria and Tasmania, said.

The Herald Sun will support the partnership with behind-the-scenes coverage, editorial features, video, social content and reader ticket giveaways across its digital and print platforms.