Beer and sports go hand in hand. Ancient civilizations even used fermented drinks during their sporting events to create a festive atmosphere for spectators, similar to today’s beers. This tradition continues at the Australian Open, a 119-year-old tennis event at Melbourne Park. Let’s delve into the beer tradition at the Australian Open.
If you’re heading to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open, it’s not just your typical tennis event. It’s about creating a memorable experience for tennis fans. The tournament has a notable tradition with beers, highlighted by a 5-year sponsorship deal with the Chinese Baijiu distillery Luzhou Laojiao in October 2018, making them an associate sponsor until 2023. The Australian Open’s beer connection has been in the headlines several times, and we’ll explore it further.
Australians’ age-old connection with beer
Australians have a well-known love for beer, with reports indicating an annual consumption of about 18 million liters, ranking them 19th globally in per capita beer consumption. The Australian Open, a renowned tennis event, is particularly famous for its beer celebrations during the finals. Many tennis superstars have made headlines for their camaraderie with this beloved beverage. Let’s explore some memorable moments from the past.
A general view inside Rod Laver Arena at sunset during the Men’s Singles Final match betwen Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
In the tennis world, former Australian wheelchair tennis player and 2022 Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott, openly held a beer bottle during his final post-match interview on Channel 9. 27-year-old Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis made headlines for his candid remark after a win. The ‘bad boy’ of Australian tennis, Nick Kyrgios, grabbed a fan’s beer after a singles win. Another controversial figure made waves holding a beer on live TV—do you know who?
When Ash Barty became part of the beer tradition
The 27-year-old Australian former tennis player has been a force to reckon with during her playing days. She was the second Aussie tennis player to be ranked as world no.1 in singles by the WTA. Ash Barty managed to stay on top of the list for almost 121 weeks overall. She had won 15 titles in her career including 3 Grand Slam triumphs. But guess which of her Grand Slam victories is more memorable to her fans?
Ash Barty defeated the American, Danielle Collins to become the 2022 Australian Open champion. With that victory, she also became the first Australian to win the AO singles title after almost a gap of 44 years. The finals 2022 Australian Open finals also marked the last professional match for Ash Barty. She announced her retirement just 2 months after winning the Slam. But her celebration with a beer bottle in hand stirred a major controversy in the tennis world.
Tennis – Australian Open – Women’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 29, 2022. Australia’s Ashleigh Barty celebrates winning the final against Danielle Collins of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Ash Barty is arguably one of the most controlled and well-spoken players in tennis. And, when it comes to handling the media, she always speaks her mind without giving a second thought to it. So, when she was asked if she would want to have a beer after her 2022 Australian Open semi-final victory, she clearly refrained from it. Barty said she is an ‘ultimate professional’ and she’d love to have it after her victory in the finals. She then went on to win her third Grand Slam title and also kept her word. The 27-year-old Aussie was then seen celebrating her victory with a beer on live TV with Aussie supporters cheering for her in the background at Melbourne Park. But who gave her company?
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Barty took her Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup into the Channel 9 studio when she was offered a bottle of Corona. To this, she replied she would not drink alone. So, she was accompanied by her close friend and tennis doubles partner Casey Dellacqua. Now, the Australian Open 2024 is knocking at the door. The beauty will again be in the eyes of the beer holders. Who’ll catch the headlines with a mug of beer this time?
Is beer tradition still alive?
We all know how conscious the players are nowadays about their health. And, Novak Djokovic is one of the fittest athletes in the world. He’s known to be a teetotaler, but the 2012 Australian Open victory celebration was an exemption. After having a historic 5-hour 53-minute marathon match in the finals against Rafael Nadal. Djokovic was seen having bottles of beer. The Serbian was completely exhausted after the match. He needed something to hydrate himself before the regular doping tests that take place for those at the top of the sport. So, the officials gave him beers so that he could pee for the anti-doping test.
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Photo Shoot – Brighton Beach, Melbourne, Australia, Australian Open champion Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses with the trophy during a photo shoot at Brighton Beach REUTERS/Loren Elliott
The Serb, is then seen crashing the volunteer party. He got on the podium, and took a mic to sing ‘I’M ON A HIIIGHWAAAY TO HEEELL.’ Be it on-the-court or off-the-court. AO never fails to build memories for all tennis lovers, ain’t it?
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