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Australian Open to Feature Federer, Agassi and 15 Nights of Concerts

Stars will light up Rod Laver Arena before scheduled matches next month.

Richard PagliaroDecember 30, 20252 minute read

DUBAI, UAE - FEBRUARY 22: In preparation for the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open, tennis legend Andre Agassi of the USA and the World's No. 1 Roger Federer of Switzerland, couldn't resist the temptation to have a friendly 'hit' on the world's most unique tennis court, the Helipad of the Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel. Standing 321 metres high on a man made island, the majestic Burj Al Arab is without doubt the most recognizable hotel in the world. The hotel's helipad, which is situated 211 metres high covers a surface area of 415 square metres. Roger Federer is the reigning champion of the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open and is making his third appearance in the tournament. For Agassi this is his first time to appear in the ATP tournament where he has already progressed to the second round having beaten Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic. The pictures were taken on February 22, 2005, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Getty Images for Dubai Duty Free

By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Photo 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 18
Cody 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 23
Jude York

Saturday, January 24
Rob Mills

Sunday, January 25
The 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 28
Jael Wena

Thursday, January 29
Patti LaBelle

Friday, January 30
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Saturday, January 31
National anthem – Pitchface
Georgina Hopson, lead from Anastasia

Sunday, February 1
National anthem – Paulini
Sophie Ellis-Bextor

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