Australian Open headlines by Federer, Agassi and 15 concert nights – Tennis Now
By Richard Pagliaro Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Photo Credit: Getty Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
The 2026 Australian Open will be as thrilling as any other Grand Slam tournament.
Event organizers have announced that 15 nights of concerts will be held at Rod Laver Arena ahead of next month’s AO night games.
In addition, four former world No. 1 champions will compete in a doubles match.
Andre Agassi and Roger Federer As they competed on a helipad high above Dubai, they propelled tennis into the stratosphere.
Agassi and Federer will join former Australian world number one champion Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt Battle for First Place competition on Saturday, January 17th. The game will be preceded by a performance by a beloved band crowded house Performing at the AO Opening Ceremony on Saturday, January 17th.
The best part about AO’s 15 nights of concerts is that there are no extra fees for the performances. Each concert is included in the Rod Laver Arena ticket price.
Patti LaBelle, Cody Simpson and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are among the scheduled performers.
“This is a first for any Grand Slam event and truly reflects the Australian Open’s evolution into a global sports and entertainment experience,” Tennis Australia director of live events John O’Neill said.
“From the performances before the two finals six years ago to now being in the main draw every night, AO is more than just tennis.”
The Australian Open qualifying tournament will be held at Melbourne Park from January 12 to 15. The main draw of the Australian Open will be held from Sunday, January 18 to Sunday, February 1.
Here is the full list of concert performances at the 2026 Australian Open:
Sunday January 18
Cody Simpson
Monday, January 19
Leo Thayer
Tuesday, January 20
Kathy Donovan
Wednesday, January 21st
Olivia Co-Fox and didgeridoo player Ninan
Thursday, January 22
Gabriel Thomas, lead star of the musical Cats
Friday, January 23
Jude York
Saturday, January 24
Rob Mills
Sunday, January 25
10 tenors
Monday, January 26
National Anthem – Daniel Makunik in the Musical “MJ”
National Anthem of the Night – Mirusia
james johnston
Tuesday, January 27
Applause – Marina Pryor, Sylvie Palladino, David Hobson and Michael Cormick
Wednesday, January 28
Jerry Weiner
Thursday, January 29
Patti LaBelle
Friday, January 30
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, January 31st
National Anthem – Pitchface
Georgina Hopson, starring in “Anastasia”
Sunday, February 1
National Anthem – Paolini
Sophie Ellis-Best
