Tennis Australia facing calls to embrace Australia Day at men’s final

Tennis Australia is facing calls to embrace a full Australia Day celebration as part of next week’s men’s final, with organisers again planning to play down the national day.

Tennis Australia is facing calls to embrace a full Australia Day celebration as part of next week’s men’s final.

The Australian Open will again play down the national day with plans only to fly a flag and play the national anthem as part of subtle Australia Day celebrations on January 26 after stripping back almost all formal recognition of it in recent years.

Former tennis player and newly appointed deputy leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, Sam Groth, called for tournament organisers to celebrate the day properly.

“Australia Day should be celebrated at the Australian Open,” he said.

“I’ll be celebrating, and there is no better way to celebrate the very best of Australia than with the eyes of the country and the world on our largest major sporting event.”

Tennis Australia are facing calls to embrace a full Australia Day celebration. Picture: Lukas Coch

The Herald Sun has been told tournament organisers considered a return to a more comprehensive celebration as latest polling showed a major shift in public sentiment toward the national day.

However any celebration will mirror previous years and will see local artist Beau Woodbridge perform the national anthem to coincide with the men’s singles final next Sunday night.

But other festivities will remain shelved despite dedicated days to promote sponsors Emirates (January 14) and Kia (January 19) as well as All Abilities Day (Jan 21), Women’s and Girls’ Day (January 23) and Pride Day (January 24).

The Australian Open has removed almost formal recognition of the national day in recent years amid a push to change the date of Australia Day.

Deputy leader of the Opposition Sam Groth called for tournament organisers to celebrate the day properly. Picture: Tony Gough

This week a poll indicated a shift in attitudes, particularly among young Australians, to return to celebrating the country’s history on January 26.

The Australian Open was heavily criticised last year for its lack of formal acknowledgment of Australia Day.

While the national anthem was still performed before the men’s final last year, Tennis Australia said it wanted to focus on celebrating women’s tennis on January 26.

“We are mindful there are differing views, and at the Australian Open we are inclusive and respectful of all,’’ Tennis Australia said in a statement.

“We acknowledge the historical significance and deep spiritual connection our First Peoples have to this land, and recognise this with a Welcome to Country on stadium screens prior to both the day and night session daily.’’

Tennis Australia was contacted for comment.