Rod Laver Arena is being transformed to be ready for players to hit the first balls next week leading into Australian Open 2026.
Monday represented a milestone, with the line marking taking place while the famous Melbourne sign was painted at the end of the court.
Next, the court furniture and LED screens will be installed as players start to arrive in Melbourne and Rod Laver Arena counts down to its bumper program of events during AO Opening Week presented by Herald Sun, beginning Monday 12 January.
This includes the 1 Point Slam Driven by Kia, featuring reigning Grand Slam champions Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff and taking place on Wednesday 14 January.
Rod Laver Arena will also host open practice sessions, blockbuster Opening Week Showdowns, Red Bull Baseline, Kids Tennis Day and the inaugural AO Opening Ceremony, featuring the return of Roger Federer.