Australian Open 2026: How Craig Tiley turned the Melbourne event into the ‘Glastonbury of tennis’

However, the growth of the Australian Open would not be the same without its core product, the players.

Going back a few decades, many European and American stars would not travel to Melbourne due to the distance and a general feeling that it lacked status.

That has changed considerably, not least because Tilly has offered a travel grant to players.

“A lot of players are happy to escape the European winter, see other players again and catch up in the new year,” Federer said.

“People are very excited and passionate about the Australian Open. The players can feel it. The atmosphere is very happy.”

Particular emphasis is placed on high-quality player facilities.

The high-tech racquet lab provides custom strings and grips, while the health suite offers physical therapy, massage therapy and plunge pools.

Specialist medical treatment is available – ophthalmologist, dermatologist, podiatrist and orthopedist – as well as nutritionists and hydration specialists, while chefs travel in the comforts of home from every corner of the world.

There is also a beauty salon, including barbers, pedicurists and pedicurists, as well as a laundry and dry cleaning service.

There’s even a bank on site.

“We have a full tourism service,” Tilly said in a recent interview with Forbes. “We offer almost anything you can think of to serve an athlete.”