The Australian Open will come with a new bounce next year.

Dunlop will be the official ball of the Australian Open starting in January 2019.

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The multi-year partnership will see Dunlop provide the official ball for the Australian Open and granted the rights to sell Australian Open branded tennis balls globally.

The partnership is Dunlop’s first with the Grand Slam and showcases its ambitions for the Australian market following the announcement of an ambassador deal with tennis icon Rod Laver.

Dunlop has existing official ball partnerships with other high-profile events on the tennis calendar.

“We are delighted to partner with Dunlop on the new Australian Open ball,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said. “Our aim is to provide the players with the best possible playing environment and we believe they will be very happy with the quality, standard and consistency of play of the new AO Dunlop ball in a wide variety of conditions.

“We’ve worked closely with Dunlop for some time and are impressed with their quality control at every stage, from design right through to the manufacturing process. Many of our current and former players have also put the new ball through its paces, both in Australia and around the world, and this process will be ongoing to ensure there’s consistency of play in a variety of conditions. 

Dunlop will also have a strong branding presence with in-stadium branding and animations on the digital walls in Rod Laver Arena, as well as an engaging brand activation area in the heart of the event. Fans attending the AO will also be able to purchase the AO Dunlop tournament and jumbo balls throughout the venue.

Dunlop will also be an official Tennis Australia partner supporting grassroots tennis and programs in Australia including the key pathway programs ANZ Tennis Hot Shots with the Dunlop low compression balls.

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve