Nine Tennis Coverage

[Sully]

Yeah, especially with News Corp technically being linked to Foxtel, a broadcast partner of CA.

Could be specifically the Herald Sun, still being the No. 1 masthead AFAIK, not wanting to miss a piece of such an event like the Australian Open, I think even prior to Nine and TA and Foxtel and CA that they always had a significant presence at Melbourne Park.

There’s always still lots of coverage in their papers, even the Daily Telegraph in Sydney, who have always sent journos down too, even the ‘national’ ones. Given the national appeal and popularity of the tournament, especially going of TV alone where in the early 2010s and probably prior Sydney sometimes would outrate Melbourne. Helped by the better set-up post the Kooyong era in the 90s and modern successful players like Pat Cash, The Woodies, Pat Rafter, Mark Philippoussis, Lleyton Hewitt, Jelena Dokic, Alicia Molik, Sam Stosur, etc. Plus the changes from 2005 namely for TV & a focus on nights including moving the two finals, where the AO never looked back and neither did the Seven Network.

[Wally]

As you noted in previous years Sully, News Corp used to be very critical of the Australian Open. The worst part was the involvement of the Herald Sun and how unthinkable and disgraceful it was for a local newspaper to be trashing one of the city’s biggest annual international events that Melbourne has proudly hosted for over 40 years.

I’m certain Tennis Australia took notice of this and basically have been trying to grovel to them

@Sully

The Sounding Board podcast has torn News Corp to shreds in their 2023 premeire podcast last week over its apparent ‘campaign’ against Nine (the only real platform I’ve seen go into detail about it):

https://www.sen.com.au/programs/the-sounding-board/

(S8 E1 the second one down at 6:45)

@Sully

I notice the Herald Sun has partnered with the Aus Open, as “presenter” of at least its new ‘Opening Week’ this week, wonder if that means their campaign against them / Nine will be toned down or scrapped this year? It was so bad it was hard to believe, even discussed by some media, notably SEN’s Sounding Board podcast with Craig Hutchison and Damien Barrett.

I would imagine SMH/Age (Nine Newspapers) have domestic print rights, either AO exclusively or bulk of that still though, given Nine?

[yellow_sock]

The United Cup coverage wrapped up at 10.33pm aedt. Todd Woodbridge was the MC at Ken Rosewell Arena for the Final tonight. Thanking all the sponsors, and presenting the winners of their trophy.

Nick McArdle wrapped up the coverage from the Studio. Mentioned the Adelaide International that will be on the channels of Nine, and then showed some brief highlights of the United Cup.

Edit: The Brisbane International is still going on, on 9GO. The Doubles Match is into the third set tie-breaker.

[TV.Cynic]

Unfortunately the men’s singles final in the Brisbane Opening finished prematurely when American Reilly Opelka suddenly retired hurt after just 12 minutes. Nine went to a commercial when the retirement happened so viewers were unaware until they returned from commercial.

Finalist retires hurt from Brisbane International decider

[Trains_and_Sports]

Aus Open Qualifiers start tomorrow on 9now. IIRC there is normally commentary on 1573 Arena. Might get washed out due to bad weather forecasted tomorrow.

[Sully]

@Trains_and_Sports

Might get washed out due to bad weather forecasted tomorrow.

Only in the morning and midday

[Trains_and_Sports]

Still will affect play which is due to start at 10am

[TV.Cynic]

HOMETOWN HERO KOKKINAKIS CHASING ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL

GLORY ON THE 9NETWORK

LIVE AND FREE THIS WEEK
EVERY MATCH STREAMED ON 9NOW

The 2025 Adelaide International will serve up an entree of top-flight tennis live and free on the 9Network and 9Now from today - Monday, January 6.

Hometown hero Thanasi Kokkinakis will ride a wave of local support from tonight, when he begins his campaign alongside 16 of the world’s top 20 in the city of churches.

Aiming to spoil the party for Kokkinakis will be Tommy Paul, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Brisbane International champion Jiri Lehecka, plus Aussies Aleksandar Vukic, Chris O’Connell and wildcard Tristan Schoolkate when they feature in the men’s singles field.

Paris 2024 gold medallist Matt Ebden will hold green and gold hopes in the men’s doubles.

Thirteen of the world top 20 will turn out for the women’s singles, including Jess Pegula, 2023 Wimbledon singles champion Marketa Vondrousova, reigning champ Jelena Ostapenko, Ons Jabeur in her return from injury and Australia’s Olivia Gadecki.

Nine’s Wide World of Sports tennis expert, Casey Dellacqua, said: “The Adelaide International will be a great form guide to the Australian Open with a stacked women’s field and a few men who will cause headaches for the big names.

“Thanasi always plays his best tennis at Memorial Drive and he believes he can pull off some big wins at home, so expect his games to be great viewing.

“Adelaide holds advantages for the players because they can enjoy a relatively quiet week leading into the Open, with the hot conditions allowing them to acclimatise before the pressure of Grand Slam tennis begins in Melbourne. Results here suggest that those who enjoy a good lead-in week tend to have a strong run at the Open.”

Featuring alongside Dellacqua in tournament commentary will be Nine’s Sam Smith, Tom Rehn and Peter Psaltis, hosted by Nick McArdle and Brett Phillips.

Broadcast Schedule

ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL: MONDAY JANUARY 6 TO 11
LIVE AND FREE ON 9GEMHD
STREAM EVERY MATCH FREE ON 9NOW

[JohnsonTV]

@Trains_and_Sports

Might get washed out due to bad weather forecasted tomorrow.

The AO qualifiers started late Monday afternoon as the weather cleared. With a jam-packed schedule, some players may have to complete two matches today.

[TV.Cynic]

Highlight colour for Adelaide open is green

Promo seen today

[matt897]

They won’t, first round is over two days

[TV.Cynic]

9Now coverage this afternoon

[MossPickle]

Why not throw it onto 9Go?

[Sully]

Early guides suggesting Nick McArdle is hosting the morning sessions of the Australian Open on the main channel, instead of Tony Jones.

But I think it could be a mistake, as the 9Gem feed also says McArdle will be hosting the day session and the main channel pre game show does say TJ.

And looks like Brett Phillips has been promoted, now anchoring the Aus Open, on Gem during the afternoon.

[JohnsonTV]

‘You can’t be serious’: Nine lures McEnroe back for Australian Open

Olympic gold medallists Ariarne Titmus and Jessica Fox will also be part of Nine’s team at Australian Open, working as reporters.

[TV.Cynic]

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2025

EXCLUSIVE ON NINE
BEGINS SUNDAY JANUARY 12 ON CHANNEL 9HD, 9GEMHD, 9NOW AND STAN SPORT
STREAM EVERY MATCH, EVERY COURT FREE ON 9NOW

It’s game on for the 2025 Australian Open and Nine’s Wide World of Sports is the only place to be when the tennis world converges on Melbourne from Sunday, January 12.

Over 300 hours of live and free coverage, including exhibition and qualifying matches, will be available on Channel 9HD, 9GemHD and to stream on 9Now for a comprehensive viewer experience when Nine delivers exclusive access to the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.

On court, Nick Kyrgios is back, to take on the giants of world tennis with reigning men’s singles champion Jannik Sinner, the king of Melbourne Park - Novak Djokovic, and defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, headlining the Men’s Singles draw.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka is chasing three Australian Open Women’s Singles titles in a row, in front of a classy pack of challengers led by Americans Coco Gauff (No. 3) and Jess Pegula (No. 7), Iga Swiatek (No.2) of Poland and 2023 runner-up Elena Rybakina.

A strong Aussie contingent will join Kyrgios, with Alex de Minaur (No. 8), Alexei Popyrin (No. 25), Jordan Thompson (No. 27), Christopher O’Connell (No. 64), Aleksander Vukic (No. 67), Thanasi Kokkinakis (No. 77), Rinky Hijikata (No.79), Adam Walton (No. 91), James Duckworth (No.94), plus Kim Birrell (No.99) and Olivia Gadecki (No.106).

Aussie wildcards Ajla Tomljanovic, Daria Saville, Tristan Schoolkate, Li Tu, James McCabe, Emerson Jones, Talia Gibson and Maya Joint will all get a shot at pulling off underdog victories as they fight for a place in the final week of competition.

In a mammoth AO25 broadcast, Nine’s Wide World of Sports has assembled an unrivalled team of hosts and expert commentators to cover every corner of Melbourne Park.

Expert commentary throughout the tournament will be provided by Jim Courier, Jelena Dokic, John McEnroe, Todd Woodbridge, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Stosur, Dylan Alcott, John Millman, Casey Dellacqua, Sam Smith and Alicia Molik.

Bringing a gold standard to the coverage will be Paris 2024 gold medallists Ariarne Titmus and Jess Fox, joining the team to capture all the colour of the event, alongside Marlee Silva.

On Channel 9, the hosts are James Bracey, Roz Kelly and Tony Jones, while on 9Gem Sylvia Jeffreys, Nick McArdle and Brett Phillips will host the broadcast.

Additional off-court reporting will come from Clint Stanaway and Danika Mason. Plus match callers Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis.

Andy Lee returns with Sophie Monk and Mike Goldstein when they put the players to the test in a special Australian Open edition of The Hundred.

Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “The AO is without doubt the greatest sporting event on the Australian summer calendar.”

“The best players in the world have assembled in Melbourne for what promises to be another scintillating and compelling fortnight of tennis on the courts. While around the grounds, the thriving festival of food, music, family and entertainment is ready to be brought to life.

“Come rain, hail or shine the action never stops and you won’t miss a moment with comprehensive coverage of the biggest matches and moments on Channel 9 and 9Gem, with every court streamed live and free on 9Now.”

Opening week action is highlighted by A Night with Novak on Channel 9 this Thursday, January 9 from 7.30pm AEDT.

While the fight for a Grand Slam berth is free when every game of the Australian Open qualifying series is available live on 9Now.

Stream the AO on 9Now

Throughout AO25, fans will have the ability to watch every point of every match, at any time live and free on the device of their choosing in full HD on 9Now. A comprehensive highlights offering with Match Highlights, AO Daily Top Moments and all the fun from the AO Morning Serve.

9Now will also bring every match of the main draw, Juniors Girls and Boys Championships, Wheelchair Championships and for the first time; the Junior Wheelchair Championships, the Asia Pacific Elite 14 and Under, AO25 Deaf Championships and the AO25 Intellectual Disability Championships.

Stan Sport will have every match ad-free, live and on demand with centre court in 4K.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2025
LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK AND 9NOW
FROM SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

[JohnsonTV]

(2024 coverage)

@TV.Cynic

On Channel 9, the hosts are James Bracey, Roz Kelly and Tony Jones, while on 9Gem Emma Lawrence, Matthew Pavlich and Nick McArdle will host our broadcast.

Additional off-court reporting will come from Clint Stanaway, Danika Mason, Georgie Parker and Marlee Silva.

Emma Lawrence, Matthew Pavlich and Georgie Parker are out of this year’s presenting team.

[TV.Cynic]

[TV.Cynic]

A FREE FEAST OF AO25

OPENING WEEK ON 9NOW
AO QUALIFYING SERIES, A NIGHT WITH NOVAK, ALEX DE MINAUR AND CARLOS ALCARAZ ALL TO FEATURE
STREAM EVERY MATCH, EVERY COURT FREE ON 9NOW

9Now is the destination to be for AO Opening Week as the best in world tennis mix fire with fun, across a tasty offering of exhibition and qualifying matches available to stream for free.

In the build up to the first grand slam of the year, the action at Melbourne Park will be headlined by exhibition matches featuring Aussie ace Alex de Minaur and Carlos Alcaraz tonight, plus plenty of fun with special guests in A Night with Novak on Thursday, January 9 from 7.30pm nationally, on both Channel 9 and 9Now.

The fight for a Grand Slam berth continues in the Australian Open qualifying series, with every game available live on 9Now.

When the main draw kicks off on Sunday, January 12, fans will have the ability to watch every point of every match, at any time, live and free on the device of their choosing in full HD on 9Now. Plus a comprehensive highlights offering with Match Highlights, AO Daily Top Moments and all the fun from the AO Morning Serve.

For the first time 9Now will also bring every match of the Juniors Girls and Boys Championships, Wheelchair Championships, the Junior Wheelchair Championships, the Asia Pacific Elite 14 and Under, AO25 Deaf Championships and the AO25 Intellectual Disability Championships.

QUALIFYING MATCHES
Wednesday, January 8 and Thursday, January 9 From 10.00am AEDT on 9Now

EXHIBITION MATCHES

Wednesday, January 8 - The Rising Stars:
A rising tide of talent serving for a cause.
5.00pm - Qinwen Zheng v Elina Svitolina
7.00pm - Carlos Alcaraz v Alex de Minaur

Commentary: John Millman, David Culbert, Laura Robson and Chris Stubbs

Thursday, January 9 - A Night with Novak:
5.00pm - Mixed doubles charity match
7.30pm Nationally - Novak Djokovic and special guests - Available on Channel 9

Commentary: Jelena Dokic, Todd Woodbridge, John Millman and James Bracey

Friday, January 10 - The Game Changers:
Tomorrow’s titans take centre stage for charity.
5.00pm - Carlos Alcaraz v Alexei Popyrin
7.00pm - Jannik Sinner v Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Commentary: John Millman, David Culbert and Chris Stubbs

All times AEDT, except for A Night with Novak

[Sully]

Some developing news: Kyrgios is out for the special exhibition and now in doubt for the AO, with a fresh injury to add to his nightmare 18+ months.

At this point you’d have to say not really a shock if that does eventuate and apart from optics and hype not really sure Nine or AO organisers would really mind too much, as there was no guarantee with his fitness and prep he’d make it past R1 anyway, he’d need a miracle run to do the stuff he was achieving a few years ago.

@JohnsonTV

Emma Lawrence

This one is a shame, she was really good on 9Gem last year, perhaps she was unavailable