SONY SPORTS NETWORK has lined up a series of initiatives around its coverage of the Australian Open 2026, the first Grand Slam of the season, which begins on 18 January at Melbourne Park.
For the first time, the tournament’s studio show Extraaa Serve will be hosted by sports presenter Grace Hayden. The show will feature former India stars Sania Mirza and Somdev Devvarman, along with Vedika Anand, offering expert analysis, match highlights and behind-the-scenes insights throughout the fortnight.
Alongside its broadcast, Sony Sports Network has unveiled a new marketing campaign that draws on India’s cultural connection with Australia through cricket. The iconic chant “Aussie Aussie Aussie… Oi Oi Oi!” has been reworked as “Aussie Aussie… AO AO AO!” to give tennis a more familiar and mass-appeal flavour.
By turning the Australian Open into a chant-driven fan movement, the campaign aims to bridge cricket and tennis fandom, positioning the event as a mainstream sporting spectacle rather than a niche competition. The campaign is anchored by the tagline, ‘Where Greatness Begins the Australian Way’.
The 2026 Australian Open will get off to a spectacular start with the return of tennis legends at Rod Laver Arena. An exhibition match featuring Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt is scheduled for 17 January, a day before the main draw begins.
Fans can look forward to seeing global stars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka compete across singles, doubles and wheelchair events. The women’s final will be played on 31 January, followed by the men’s final on 1 February.
The tournament promises blockbuster match-ups that could shape the season, including potential early clashes between Alcaraz and rivals Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. Djokovic will also be chasing a 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne. Indian interest will centre on Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, who is set to make his Australian Open debut in doubles alongside Thailand’s Pruchya Isarofor.
Viewers across India can catch every match live on Sony Sports Network in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, with comprehensive coverage and expert-led studio analysis on Extraaa Serve.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul said, “The prestigious Australian Open promises to kick off an exciting tennis season this year with stars like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek headlining the tournament. At Sony Sports Network, we are committed to bringing every moment of this breathtaking action to fans across India. That’s why we’ve launched our campaign, ‘Aussie Aussie… AO AO AO!’, which blends the energy of cricket with world-class tennis to create a true celebration. This year also marks the return of our studio show, Extraaa Serve, hosted by the immensely popular Grace Hayden and featuring Indian tennis legends Sania Mirza and Somdev Devvarman along with Vedika Anand, promising viewers elite action and engaging analysis right from the very first serve.”
Mirza added, “The Australian Open has always been special with its electric atmosphere and hard-court intensity. I expect Iga Swiatek to defend her form fiercely in women’s singles, while Carlos Alcaraz’s athleticism could edge out Djokovic in a blockbuster final. For Indians, watch for doubles fireworks as our players are ready to shine. This edition of the Australian Open will blend emerging talent with veterans, delivering non-stop thrills.”
