Pickleball is an inflection point. Proof of this is the leading role the world’s fastest-growing sport is set to play at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia.
The Australian Open, of course, is one of the four Grand Slams of tennis and is among the most prestigious sporting events Australia hosts annually. This year, Tennis Australia decided to include as a featured showcase the inaugural Australian Open Pickleball Slam, which will be held from the 24th to the 26th of January at Court 3 of Melbourne Park.
Aside from turning the Australian Open into the centre of pickleball for one fun, exciting weekend, the Australian Open Pickleball Slam will also offer an impressive prize pool of AUD $100,000 to be disputed by seasoned professionals and rising stars alike.
“This is a great addition for the Australian Open, the sport that makes you happier finding a home at the Happy Slam,” said Tom Larner, Chief Tennis Officer of Tennis Australia.
Promoting Pickleball and Other Sports at the Australian Open
Tennis Australia has, in recent years, been promoting other racquet sports in conjunction with the Australian Open, having done so for padel, beach tennis, and POP. Come this Australian Open, Tennis Australia will be the first to showcase pickleball, padel, and POP tennis in the same Grand Slam.
Given pickleball’s immense and still growing popularity, it seemed a no-brainer to include it with the other racquet sports Tennis Australia is promoting.
“Pickleball is a sport for everyone, and its rapid growth globally highlights its unique ability to connect people of all ages and backgrounds. By bringing pickleball to the Australian Open, we’re embracing the future of racquet sports and providing an incredible experience for players and fans alike.”
Even Australian Open big boss Craig Tiley is all-in on pickleball—and all other racquet sports, for that matter.
“I think a vibrant community tennis club in Australia should have tennis, pickle, padel, a cafeteria, and a good social environment,” Tiley said as he talked about pickleball and its landmark inclusion in the Australian Open.
The Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam, is currently ongoing.
