By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, December 30, 2025Photo credit: Getty for Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
The 2026 Australian Open will rock like no other Grand Slam.
Tournament organizers announced 15 nights of concerts will rock Rod Laver Arena before the AO night sessions of play next month.
In addition, four former world No. 1 champions will face off in doubles.
Andre Agassi and Roger Federer famously took tennis to stratospheric heights when they played on a helipad high in the Dubai sky.
Agassi and Federer will join former Australian world No. 1 champions Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt in “Battle of No. 1s” match on Saturday, January 17th. That match will be preceded by the beloved band Crowded House performing at the inaugural AO Opening Ceremony on Saturday, January 17th.
The best part of the AO’s 15 nights of concerts is there will be no additional fees for the shows. Every concert is included in the price of a ticket to Rod Laver Arena.
Patti LaBelle, Cody Simpson and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are among the scheduled performers.
“This is a first for any Grand Slam tournament and truly reflects the Australian Open’s evolution into a global sports and entertainment experience,” Tennis Australia’s Head of Live Events John O’Neil said.
“From staging performances prior to the two finals just six years ago, to now every night of the main draw, the AO is more than tennis.”
Australian Open qualifying is set for January 12-15th at Melbourne Park. The Australian Open main draw will be contested Sunday, January 18th-Sunday, February 1sst.
Here’s a complete list of the 2026 Australian Open Concert Performances:
Sunday, January 18Cody Simpson
Monday, January 19 Leo Sayer
Tuesday, January 20 Casey Donovan
Wednesday, January 21 Olivia Coe-Fox with didgeridoo player Neenan
Thursday, January 22 Gabriyel Thomas, lead of Cats the Musical
Friday, January 23Jude York
Saturday, January 24 Rob Mills
Sunday, January 25The 10 Tenors
Monday, January 26 Day national anthem – Daniel Makunike from MJ the Musical Night national anthem – Mirusia James Johnston
Tuesday, January 27 Ovation – Marina Prior, Sylvie Paladino, David Hobson and Michael Cormick
Wednesday, January 28Jael Wena
Thursday, January 29 Patti LaBelle
Friday, January 30Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, January 31 National anthem – Pitchface Georgina Hopson, lead from Anastasia
Sunday, February 1National anthem – Paulini Sophie Ellis-Bextor
