It’s “Summer Down Under” in Melbourne, Australia, as ESPN kicks off the Grand Slam Tennis season with the 2025 Australian Open.
(Scott Clarke/ESPN Images)
From the qualifying matches that began on Jan. 5 to the men’s championship final on Jan. 26, fans can catch “first ball to last ball” coverage live on ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes.
But tennis isn’t just about what happens on the court — it’s about the magic behind the scenes.
ESPN tennis analyst and former pro Darren Cahill – a resident of Adelaide, Australia – gives us a closer look at some key spots at Melbourne Park. From the iconic Champion’s Walk, where players make their way to glory, to ESPN’s commentary bunker, where the broadcast team brings the tournament to life, Cahill takes us where the action is. He also highlights the lively Aussie Court, a hidden gem with its rowdy, passionate fans cheering on lower-ranked players in true Aussie fashion.
Watch Cahill’s behind-the-scenes look at Melbourne Park below.
To fully embrace the Aussie spirit, a bit of lingo is essential. Cahill offers a crash course in Australian slang, explaining phrases like “lollies” and “brawley” that showcase a unique and charming part of Aussie culture.
Watch Cahill’s Aussie slang guide below.
This year marks ESPN’s 41st annual Australian Open broadcast, a partnership that began back in 1984.
So, grab some Vegemite, settle in, and get ready for an epic tournament – this one’s going to be a ripper!
Spencer T. Jackson, Darren Cahill and ESPN Tennis Production produced the videos
