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Australian Open 2009

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

19 January-1 February 2009
Melbourne Park

As 500 of the world’s best tennis players compete for a record AUD$22million in prize money, much of the hype surrounds the highly anticipated on-court action at Rod Laver Arena, with a potential clash between World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and World No. 2 Roger Federer, Djokovic’s title defence and Sharapova’s return from injury to defend her crown.

Also competing in the newly expanded Legends event is a star-studded line-up including Pat Cash and former World No. 1 Mats Wilander, both of whom are warming up for an encore performance of their memorable 1988 final.

Off-court, music heavyweights Evermore and rising star Gabrielle Climi will perform among others in a two-night concert series at Hisense Arena to coincide with the finals weekend.

Fans can also experience the Australian premier of New York’s internationally acclaimed Spiegelworld, featuring a carnival village to be established within Melbourne Park and a program of cabaret, circus and concerts in an air-conditioned 300-seat Spiegeltent.

Chill-out areas with cafes and bars and plenty of free daily entertainment are also on offer at the Spiegelworld Garden, followed by performances by Melbourne’s esteemed DJ’s in the SpiegelBall at night.

“We have put so much work into expanding and improving the off-court entertainment this year,” says Tennis Australia CEO, Steve Wood.

“We have some world-class acts lined up for the finals weekend concert series. The addition of Spiegelworld and the many quality entertainment options that come with it will only serve to enhance the festival nature of the Australian Open. The array and quality of talent on offer will be the biggest and best in the history of our event.”

To find out more about entertainment at Australian Open click here.

To book tickets go to Ticketek.

Crystal James, Citysearch