AO Media Release, January 27, 2026

The Australian Open 2026 is welcoming back the popular AO Pickleball Slam, transforming ANZ Arena into a hub of high-energy pickleball action.

The second edition of the AO Pickleball Slam will run from 30 January to 1 February 2026, as players from across the globe compete for more than $100,000 in prize money.

As one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into a fast-paced game that’s easy to pick up and entertaining to watch.

The three-day tournament will be headlined by a Pickleball Celebrity Smash on Sunday 1 February 2026.

Fans can access the Slam with a ground pass and watch standout performances from international athletes such as Ryler DeHeart, Megan Fudge, Phuc Huynh and Sofia Sewing alongside Australian stars Joey Wild, Danni-Elle Townsend, George Wall and Sahra Dennehy.

“The AO Pickleball Slam will bring some of the best pickleball players in the world to Melbourne Park, who will compete in an iconic arena over AO finals weekend, providing pickleball a platform like no other,” said Tennis Australia Head of Game Expansion Callum Beale.

“Beyond supporting professional players, we are driving further momentum across clubs and communities, helping more Australians get active through both tennis, pickleball and a range of other racquet sports,” he added.

The summer calendar features a packed lineup of pickleball activity across the country, including AO By the River in Brisbane, and AO By the Harbour in Sydney.

AO By the River in Brisbane

Brisbane has become home to an AO official live site, as AO By the River transforms South Bank into the city’s premier destination to watch, play and celebrate tennis, pickleball and POP tennis.

From Friday 23 January to Sunday 1 February 2026, the site will feature interactive pickleball and POP tennis courts, with fans also able to enjoy live Australian Open coverage on the big screen in a riverside setting.

AO By the Harbour in Sydney

The Darling Harbour in Sydney will feature a hybrid pickleball/POP Tennis court in Tumbalong Park as the Australian Open 2026 live site turns on the big screen for locals at AO by the Harbour.

Pickleball at the AO and Beyond

Fans at the Australian Open will be able to experience pickleball throughout Melbourne Park, with pickleball showcased during the tournament on John Cain Arena between matches, and at an interactive Pickleball court located within the precinct at Top Court.

Pickleball will also feature at the AO with a pop-up court in The Village from Saturday 31 January to Sunday 1 February, giving patrons the chance to come and play. The RealEstate.com.au Rally will be another opportunity for fans to play pickleball by progressing through qualifying rounds for the chance to take on top talent at the AO.

Beyond the AO, Tennis Australia actively invests in the year-round development of pickleball through coaching, club and competitions offerings, supporting those wanting to explore, integrate or grow pickleball.

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