Start of Photos

Start of article text

The Australian Open continues to build sponsorship partnerships with many of the world’s most prestigious brands.

Tennis Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Steve Wood said, “The appeal of the Australian Open as a global super-brand is evident in the calibre of the brands and sponsors it attracts.”

As major sponsor of the Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific, Kia Motors is the presenting sponsor and supplier of vehicles for the Australian Open. At the 2007 tournament, a fleet of 81 Kia cars made more than 35,000 journeys, transporting players to and from Melbourne Park, clocking up more than 300,000 km.

Since 2005, associate sponsor Garnier has welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors to the Garnier World marquee in Garden Square. Also, the Garnier Players’ Beauty Bar has been a hit with both male and female players.

Wood is delighted that Garnier has opted to renew its contract for an additional three years.

“Garnier has been a ground-breaking sponsor for the Australian Open. The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam tournament to offer an experience such as Garnier World to the fans, and we are thrilled to welcome Garnier on board for another three years,” he said.

The Australian Open’s associate sponsor, GE Money, official lender for the tournament, is entering the second year of its three-year sponsorship.

In 2008, the Australian Open will welcome Rolex as a tournament partner, in the role of official timekeeper. The leading name in luxury wrist watches, Rolex has been the pre-eminent symbol of performance and prestige for more than a century.

In an exciting deal aimed at further enhancing the tournament’s profile as the Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific, the Australian Open has entered into an agreement with leading Chinese tennis merchandise brand, XTEP. This agreement will see XTEP open 1000 retail outlets throughout China, selling Australian Open, and Tennis, Australia’s Favourite, branded product.