How to watch the Australian Open

Every January, the world's best tennis players come to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. For Australian viewers, it is one of the easiest major events to watch, because Nine shows it free.

Nine and 9Now

Nine holds the Australian rights to the Australian Open through 2029 under its agreement with Tennis Australia. Nine's free coverage runs across its channels and the free 9Now app, with live coverage of key matches, especially on Rod Laver Arena, and the finals.

Stan Sport: every court

Stan Sport, a subscription add-on to the Stan streaming service owned by Nine, streams every match on every court live and on demand. That includes early-round matches on outside courts, doubles, juniors and wheelchair tennis, which are not always on free TV. Stan Sport is useful if you want to follow a particular player through the draw.

Other summer tennis

The Australian summer of tennis also includes lead-up tournaments and team events before the Open. Broadcast arrangements for these events can vary. Check Tennis Australia for the current summer schedule and where each event is shown.

Watching overseas Grand Slams

Wimbledon, the French Open (Roland-Garros) and the US Open are sold separately in Australia, and the broadcaster can change. Because of time differences, many matches are on overnight. Check each tournament's official website for its Australian broadcaster.

Visiting Melbourne Park

The Australian Open is held at Melbourne Park, a short walk or tram ride from Melbourne's CBD. Tickets range from ground passes, which give access to outside courts and the grounds, to reserved seats in Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena. Buy tickets only through the official Australian Open website.

Tips for a day at the tennis:

• Arrive early to watch players practise.
• Bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle. Melbourne's summer weather can change quickly.
• Check the order of play the night before to plan which courts to visit.
• Use public transport. Trams and trains serve Melbourne Park.

Following the tournament

1. Download the official Australian Open app for the draw, live scores and order of play.
2. Watch the big matches free on Nine or 9Now.
3. Add Stan Sport for the fortnight if you want every court.
4. Use replays and highlights to catch matches played while you are at work.

Free or paid: which do you need?

For most viewers, Nine's free coverage is enough. It focuses on the biggest matches, including Australian players and the finals. Stan Sport is worth considering if you want to follow a particular player from the first round, watch doubles, juniors or wheelchair tennis, or switch between courts during the busy first week. Because Stan Sport is a monthly add-on, some fans subscribe only for January.

Watching with 9Now

The free 9Now app streams Nine's live coverage on smart TVs, phones and other devices for viewers in Australia. You need a free account. Live streams can run slightly behind the TV broadcast.

Wheelchair, juniors and legends

The Australian Open also features wheelchair, junior and legends events, which are among its most entertaining matches. These are more likely to be on Stan Sport than on free TV. Australia has a strong record in wheelchair tennis, and the event is a good chance to see the world's best players.

Avoiding spoilers

With matches running from morning to late at night across many courts, results arrive quickly on phones and social media. Mute tennis apps and notifications if you plan to watch a replay later.

A short history

The Australian Open began in 1905 as the Australasian Championships. It has been held at Melbourne Park since 1988, when it moved from Kooyong. It is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, alongside Wimbledon, the French Open and the US Open.

Season dates

The Australian Open is held over two weeks in January. See our sports calendar.