Pickleball match staged at 1 Hotel Melbourne on 15th January 2026
Defending two-time Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner secured victory over Naomi Osaka in a pickleball match held at 1 Hotel Melbourne on Thursday, 15th January 2026. The match took place on the hotel’s pickleball court overlooking the Yarra River, with Melbourne’s skyline forming the backdrop.
The appearance drew attention as both players replaced tennis racquets with pickleball paddles while preparing for the upcoming Australian Open. The match formed part of a high-profile lead-in to the tournament, attracting guests and media.
Sinner took an early lead as play began, adjusting quickly to the faster pace and reduced court size. Osaka spent the opening exchanges adapting to the rules and rhythm of the game. Despite the shift in format, the contest remained competitive throughout.
“I’ve got a lot of great memories here,” Osaka said during the event.
She also commented on the challenge of facing the defending champion in a new format. “I think it’s worse because I feel like he’s not trying!” she said.
Sinner reflected on the broader demands of elite competition ahead of the Australian Open. “Every year is so different […], you have to be ready for every situation on the court,” he said.
The match was called by media personality Clint Stanaway, who provided live commentary throughout the contest. His involvement included prompting Sinner to switch to his left hand, altering the momentum as Osaka responded with a series of points.
Event setting and hospitality
The audience included invited sports figures, fashion industry representatives and media guests. Crowd reactions intensified as rallies lengthened and the score tightened during the latter stages of the match.
Following the match, guests gathered inside 1 Hotel Melbourne’s ballroom. The space hosted a menu developed by the hotel’s restaurant, From Here By Mike, featuring tennis-themed food and beverages.
Among the offerings were tennis ball-shaped macarons, which were served alongside the First Serve cocktail. The drink combined Australian vodka with cucumber, apple and tarragon, finished with lactic sugar snap pea and ginger beer. The cocktail is also available at Crane Bar and Lounge during the Australian Open period.
The event concluded with Sinner holding the final advantage, earning informal bragging rights ahead of his Australian Open title defence. The appearance positioned the hotel as a host venue for high-profile sporting moments during the tournament period.