The Australian Open (AO) has initiated its 2027 campaign in China with an event in Beijing, focusing on engaging fans through localized digital content, live events, retail initiatives, and the appointment of Chinese cultural ambassadors.
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Tennis Australia, the organization that oversees the Australian Open, emphasized that its long-term investments are yielding results, as China emerges as one of the tournament’s largest international markets. Roddy Campbell, the director of partnerships and international business at Tennis Australia, noted that the organization has had a presence in China for over a decade and continues to enhance its brand presence year-round.
During the launch event, Tennis Australia announced expanded collaborations with Chinese firms, increasing cooperation with the China Open, and introduced the 1 Point Slam competition in China for the first time. The AO 1 Point Slam China Series consists of a five-city competition in a one-point knockout format, with the winner receiving a chance to compete in the global final during the 2027 Australian Open in Melbourne, potentially winning one million Australian dollars (approximately 650,000 U.S. dollars).
A celebrity exhibition match was also held at the launch, featuring prominent Chinese figures with no previous tennis affiliation but significant cultural influence. Campbell remarked that collaborating with these icons has effectively conveyed the story of the Australian Open in a compelling way.
In a separate event, China’s Macao Special Administrative Region celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square. The event included a contingent from the Police Tactical Intervention Unit, which for the first time participated in a ceremony using Chinese-style drill formations, wearing new uniforms and gear.
Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, along with other dignitaries, attended the ceremony. Young representatives from Macao who had recently traveled to Beijing for the "Salute to the National Flag" event were also present, expressing their pride and honor in being part of the occasion. Following the ceremony, the Macao SAR government hosted a reception marking the anniversary, with Hou emphasizing the developmental support from the motherland and the region's commitment to national progress.