Australian Open to Showcase Pickleball with Inaugural Slam Event

The Australian Open is set to elevate pickleball’s profile with the inaugural AO Pickleball Slam, boasting a $100,000 prize pool. This groundbreaking event will take place at Melbourne Park’s Court 3 from January 24-26, during the final weekend of the tennis major. Players from around the world will compete, marking a significant milestone in the crossover between tennis and pickleball.

Invented in 1965, pickleball’s appeal lies in its fast-paced action and accessibility for all ages. Its recent surge in popularity has made it a staple at major tournaments like the Miami Open and French Open. Tennis Australia’s Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner highlighted the sport’s rapid growth, calling it “a sport for everyone” and underscoring its role in uniting communities while expanding the landscape of racket sports.

While some see tennis embracing pickleball as a way to share attention and sponsorship dollars, pickleball continues its aggressive growth globally. With plans for ranking tournaments in Australia, India, and beyond, and Major League Pickleball projecting 40 million players by 2030, the AO Pickleball Slam is more than a side event—it’s a clear signal of pickleball’s rising influence on the global sports stage.