Tennis Australia’s new boss Andrew Abdo made his first ‘foot fault’ during the slick Australian Open launch on Thursday.
The former NRL CEO impressively ad libbed throughout his presentation at Rod Laver Arena, and the one slip up was calling two-time Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner: ‘Jacob’.
“If you want to know what I’m really excited for; we are going to be hosting not only the world’s best current players, but I think some amazing emerging rivalries,’’ he said.
“Whether it’s Carlos Alcaraz against Jacob (sic) Sinner, or whether it’s the power of (Elena) Rybakina against the ferocity of (Aryna) Sabalenka, or maybe it’s one of our new up and coming Aussie superstars who’s going to go deep into the tournament.”
Abdo seamlessly ploughed on and it didn’t take the shine off his sparkling debut in the role, but he noted the error.
In his press conference post presentation he was asked about the mishap.
“Yeah, of course I know that it’s Jannik Sinner,’’ he said.
“I mean, obviously, it’s Jannik Sinner and, you know, on that, we are in pretty exciting talks.
“Obviously, he’s going to be coming back from his injury.
“We hope he comes back really strong and soon, but we’re in talks with him and his team around getting him here nice and early in preparing for the AO.
“And he’ll be playing in the 1 Point Slam.
“And I mean that’s what makes the Slam special, the best of the best getting together and playing together.’’
Co-host Todd Woodbridge said Abdo, who replaced Craig Tiley, had made a terrific start at headquarters.
Abdo spoke to journalists at length about his vision and plans for the Australian Open and tennis’ future. He’s just spent time at the Laver Cup and US Open and confirmed he is a fan of best of five set tennis.
“Let me just say, I am a massive fan of the best of five, and it’s here to stay,’’ he said.
“I was fortunate enough to experience the two men’s semi-finals last year, and those were two epic best of five set matches that I will never forget for the rest of my life.
“The grand slams are unique, the Australian Open is unique, and slugging it out in a best of five is pretty unique and special as well. I’m a big fan of it.”