AO Media Release, February 1, 2026
The Rod Laver Arena Walk of Champions has been reimagined at Australian Open 2026.
Throughout the tournament, the world’s best players have performed on one of the sport’s most prestigious stages, with their journey to Rod Laver Arena illuminated by an ever-changing visuals.
When Naomi Osaka’s theatrical fashion statement created headlines, so did the ethereal backdrop, featuring an endless blue sky and sparkling sea, the champions of the past and her own reflection.
“We wanted to really push the envelope on how we can provide an even greater spotlight for the players, these magnificent athletes, on the court, that effectively becomes their stage,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said. “So, we looked to the world of theatre and music.”
Enter renowned artist and designer Es Devlin, the powerhouse behind theatrical and concert productions for the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, U2 and the London Olympics ceremonies.
“We met up with Es and so began an amazing collaboration between her team and ours.”
“The Australian Open has made a bold choice to invite my team in – to look at the event through the lens of theatre and performance, to help tune the experience so the sense of presence becomes even more powerful,” Es Devlin said.
“The Australian Open stands out across all the Grand Slams – these two blues that come together are the sky and the sea of the Australian summer,” Devlin explained, referencing the original inspiration for the iconic AO blue court.
“When I walked into Rod Laver Arena for the first time, I wasn’t prepared for just how silent it would be, the absolute concentration from every single person focused on two humans and one ball. It struck me that this is the precious thing at the heart of tennis,” Devlin said of her experience visiting the AO last year.
Devlin’s vision is being brought to life by Tennis Australia’s broadcast and production team, and is in the first stage of a three-year project to reimagine the presentation of the sport.
Stage one, on display at AO 2026, is the reimagined Walk of Champions.
“Time condenses in that walk,” Devlin said. “Every moment a player has practiced, trained and lived leads to the moment they set foot on the court. We’re using the science and craft of theatre to emphasise the tension, to focus the audience on the terms of engagement between the two players.
“The opening of the roof was one of the most dramatic reveals I’d ever seen. In theatre we would spend months rehearsing to achieve something like that,” Devlin continued.
Stay tuned for the next stage of the transformation at AO 2027.
