I think we could do with 1.2m+ reach considering what just happened in Sydney.
I don’t mind that they’re using the small studio but could they not use a better angle? God that’s atrocious.
Shame they aren’t using the big WWOS studio this year.
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Todd Woodbridge and Jim Courier are commentating tonight’s Men’s match (between Alex de Minaur and Casper Ruud. Not seen in the commentating booth. Nick McArdle threw to them via the studio.
Woodbridge did do the courtside interview with the other Aussie - Storm Hunter - after her win, just moments ago.
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The presentation on the mini set looks like something from a community tv station. Awful.
I personally don’t like Courier and Woodbridge, arguably Nine and Australian tennis’ biggest names today, being used prior to the Aussie Open.
I can understand various reasons why they would and perhaps more a TA world feed/ATP/WTA broadcast arm negotiated thing. But spoils a bit of that mystique and anticipation leading-in to the AO, from a TV perspective, you hear Mr Courier’s unmistakable dulcet voice and immediately it’s “game on”. Anyway, that’s just me.
Seven never used to use Courier or Bruce McAvaney IIRC prior to the Aus Open.
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TA trying to make the United Cup more respected etc by giving it the full world feed presentation like the AO and best commentators - I don’t think it will work. The UC is always going to be seen as a warm-up tournament.
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IIRC, Nine News Local Regional NSW bulletins would have occupied the same space during Nine’s SCA deal.
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ATP Cup was great, 2020-ish IIRC. Remember that tournament generating quite some buzz and reception was strong. Think Nine only got Hopman once or twice in their TA deal, before its hiatus.
Brisbane has always seemed to be the most popular, at least the last 15-20 years. Returning to Memorial Drive in Adelaide has been good in recent years, especially with some big local success, that’s been as popular.
Feel Sydney (surprisingly) needs the most attention and focus, which ATP and UC have tried to achieve, the old Sydney Internationals were good 25 years ago, but feel they were outplayed by Hopman and especially Brisbane by the late 2000s. Ken Rosewall is such a good venue and Olympic Park set-up since Sydney 2000 ideal facilities.
Just use the news set!
Courier does a lot for the tennis channel in the us during the year so probably helps he is on the world feed as a familiar voice. Same with Mark Petchey.
I think Jim enjoys being in Australia, that’s all it is
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AO26 - 1 Point Slam
Wednesday 14 January 7:30 PM
Get ready for the Million Dollar 1 Point Slam – a world-first showdown landing at AO26. Pros, celebrities and amateurs from across the country will face off under the lights of Rod Laver Arena in an Opening Week thriller. Play from 7:30PM.
AO26 - Carlos Alcaraz V Alex De Minaur
Thursday 15 January 7:30 PM
Carlos Alcaraz and Alex De Minaur face off in a practice match at Rod Laver Arena in the leadup to the Australian Open 2026. Play from 7:30PM.
AO26 - Opening Ceremony
Saturday 17 January 7:30 PM
On the eve of the main draw, a new tradition arrives with the first-ever Opening Ceremony to officially launch AO26.
Tennis legend and six-time AO champion Roger Federer will return to Rod Laver Arena, taking the court for a star-studded ‘Battle of the World No. 1s’ with iconic rivals Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. With an amped-up live performance from Crowded House, it’s set to be an unmissable night of sport and entertainment. It’s the show before the show.
Also see:
(Market variations, if any will be posted later).
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Wasted opportunity this morning by Nine in Sydney and Melbourne. Weekend Today finished at 10am. United Cup starts at 10.30am Should have aired Cross Court at 10am, instead of Explore TV.
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Is Michael in one of the studios at North Sydney Studios of Nine?
Likewise next weekend as well, but the filler is Our State On a Plate.
Yesterday’s was FMBH AU.
BI coverage referencing the conclusion of UC match. Surprised they don’t have channel logos in this one.
ANZ back on board as a major sponsor?
I remember Seven’s “ANZ Open Mic” post match on-court interviews, viewers could also ask a question. Also for a time “Fango” and “Presto”.
It was reported some years back, I think maybe into Nine’s 3rd summer of tennis, that the ANZ had decided not to renew their long-time partnership with the AO/TA and as a result with the broadcaster or at least had wound back a lot to be a more lower tier advertiser.