NEWS
The decision to reimagine the event comes after the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Board undertook a complete risk, financial and operational review of the Classic.
“Currently, the Club owns the tournament and manages the operation of it, in conjunction with long time Tournament Director Peter Johnston,’’ Kooyong Club President, Darren O’Loughlin, said.
"The in-depth review identified that while the Classic is an important and historical part of Kooyong, the type and volume of operational resources required by the Club to run the event did not align with the Club’s core business."
"Therefore, we are seeking a new direction for the event and exploring the scope for an external partner to take over all operations and delivery from 2025."
"This will enable Kooyong to focus on what it does best, which is to provide an iconic tennis stadium with an Australian Open standard playing surface and world-class hospitality facilities. There is no doubt that Kooyong is the spiritual home of tennis in Australia, and we are exploring how we can transform this event to continue its legacy.”
"We have engaged Peter Johnston to collaborate with potential event management companies globally. The goal is to find the right partner to deliver an event that will excite both players and fans during the 2025 summer of tennis. Peter has served as the Tournament Director since 2015 and will continue to play a crucial role in the event’s future.”
Johnston said the global market has seen the emergence of a range of exciting new pro-tennis events and he would welcome a new Kooyong Classic format in the lead-up to the Australian Open in 2025.
“We know the players love playing at Kooyong as it gives them the all-important hit-out against elite rivals in conditions that mirror the Australian Open. As many of the top-ranked players can attest, like Jannik Sinner did earlier this year when he won the Australian Open crown, the Classic is the ideal launching pad into the Australian Grand Slam.
“We have a domestic broadcast partner with SBS and strong interest internationally, and in recent years our international broadcast exposure has increased, so the tournament is an appealing proposition for a new partner."
"The Kooyong Board and I are optimistic about the tournament’s potential for growth, particularly in the global market.”
Played since 1988, when the Australian Open moved from Kooyong to Melbourne Park, the Kooyong Classic has attracted the world’s best players as their preferred preparation event for the Asia-Pacific Grand Slam tournament.
The Board of Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club
Michelle Stamper
michelle@stampingground.com.au
0413 117 711
enquiry@kooyong.com.au
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