New Australian Open boss Andrew Abdo unveils 2027 upgrades at Melbourne launch

New Tennis Australia chief executive Andrew Abdo has outlined capacity, seating and shade upgrades for the 2027 Australian Open at a Melbourne launch on Thursday.

• Abdo announced a 700-seat temporary grandstand, triple the amount of shade at Melbourne Park and a cap on day-pass sales for the 2027 tournament.
• He has appointed himself tournament director, replicating the dual role held by his predecessor Craig Tiley.
• Abdo referred to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner as "Jacob Sinner" in Thursday's address and later said he knew the player's correct name.
• The 1 Point Slam on Jan. 13 will feature Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Sinner competing for a 1 million Australian dollar prize.