New Australian Open boss Andrew Abdo throws shade at critics: ‘I’m not an outsider’

Launch event marred by former NRL CEO calling world No 1 ‘Jacob’ Sinner

Grand slam to add 700 seats amid focus on comfort as well as growth

New Tennis Australia chief executive Andrew Abdo pledged more shade and more seats for outer courts at the Australian Open in 2027, as the former rugby league administrator believes his background as a tennis outsider will fuel the tournament’s “relentless pursuit of growth”.

The first tennis grand slam of 2027 will include the largest temporary grandstand constructed at Melbourne Park, adding 700 seats, and there will be “triple the amount of shade” for fans, as Abdo plans to cap day pass sales to better manage visitor comfort.

He has appointed himself tournament director – replicating the dual role held by his predecessor Craig Tiley – but his launch address to tennis staff, partners and media in Melbourne on Thursday was marred by a gaffe when he referred to men’s world No 1 Jannik Sinner as “Jacob Sinner”.

Abdo told press afterwards “of course I know that it’s Jannik Sinner”, and flagged the Italian – who is recovering from a knee injury – plans to play in the One Point Slam promotion at Melbourne Park which pits amateurs against professionals.

Those in tennis accustomed to the experienced Tiley are still coming to terms with the appointment of Abdo, who has not enjoyed a smooth beginning to his tenure.

In a speech at the SportNXT conference last month, Abdo raised the possibility of shortening men’s grand slam matches from best-of-five sets. The idea sparked an immediate backlash from tennis traditionalists, prompting a post on Australian Open social media accounts saying “five-set tennis is here to stay”.