2025 AO Pickleball Slam
Reliving the exhilarating serves and powerful pivots of the world-first AO Pickleball Slam.
Making history in Melbourne
In January 2025, Tennis Australia made history by launching the inaugural AO Pickleball Slam at Melbourne Park. This groundbreaking event gave Australia its first taste of elite-level pickleball competition on an iconic stage, cementing Australia's place on the international pickleball map while introducing thousands of AO patrons to this exciting sport.
With a healthy $100,000+ prize pool on the table, the tournament showcased world-class pickleball on a global stage, cementing Australia's place on the international pickleball map and giving thousands of AO patrons their first taste of this explosive sport.
The time-based team tournament came to a nail-biting conclusion as Team Hosier won a 5-point shootout to be crowned champions of the first AO Pickleball Slam. Congratulations to Michaela Haet, Harrison Brown, Joey Wild and Nicola Schoeman.
Event highlights
Team Hosier claims inaugural championship
In a heart-stopping finale that had spectators at the edge of their seats, Team Hosier (Pink) won the inaugural AO Pickleball Slam in 2025, defeating Team Guildford (Green) in a thrilling five-point shootout. Team Hosier mounted an incredible comeback, winning the final two mixed doubles matches to force the tiebreaker.
Somer Dalla-Bona and George Wall were named tournament MVPs for their outstanding performances throughout the weekend.
Melbourne's iconic laneways take centre court
Teams were named after Melbourne's iconic laneways - Flinders, Degraves, Guildford, Hosier, Hardware and Duckboard - adding a distinctly local flavour to this international competition.
World class pickleball action
The tournament showcased some of the most exciting rallies and high-octane team energy, demonstrating the exceptional level of play that makes elite pickleball so captivating to watch.
A hands-on experience for fans
In the spirit of pickleball being a game for all, fans in attendance had the chance to jump on court and test out their skills on the custom-made pickleball courts. The courts were set up at The Village during the finals weekend, giving fans the chance to experience the sport firsthand.
What is the AO Pickleball Slam?
The AO Pickleball Slam is where some of the world's best players shake up the court and battle it out for glory on tennis's biggest stage. More than just a tournament, this game-changing event runs as part of the Australian Open every year, creating a platform for elite athletes to break away from tradition and think differently, shaping the future of pickleball in real time.
It's a unique format that brings together the excitement of professional competition with the accessibility that makes pickleball so special—a perfect match for the inclusive spirit of the Australian Open.
