Australian Open sponsorship momentum builds as realestate.com.au and DiDi join roster

Just days after Lipton Ice Tea signed on as a new Australian Open partner, sponsorship momentum around the tournament is accelerating, with realestate.com.au and DiDi joining the roster ahead of AO 2026.

Tennis Australia has confirmed realestate.com.au as the official real estate partner of the Australian Open under a new multi-year deal, while global rideshare platform DiDi has been named the tournament’s official rideshare partner.

For realestate.com.au, the partnership launches ahead of the 2026 tournament and is designed to connect with Australians outside the traditional buying and selling cycle. The property platform will activate across broadcast, on-site and outdoor, backed by a bespoke campaign created with 72andSunny featuring tennis legend Pat Rafter.

The campaign extends realestate.com.au’s existing brand platform, tapping into everyday property conversations and positioning the brand inside the stands and among fans rather than courtside alone.

REA Group general manager audience and marketing Sarah Myers said the Australian Open provides a premium cultural moment to build brand trust and relevance.

“We’re incredibly excited to be the Official Real Estate Partner of the Australian Open, an iconic event that captures the nation’s attention and provides an unparalleled platform to connect realestate.com.au with millions of Australian tennis fans,” Myers said.

“Over the summer months Australians are at home thinking about upgrading, downsizing or making a sea or tree change. Showing up at the Australian Open in a truly integrated way in such a premium environment is an exciting opportunity.”

The partnership includes virtual on-court signage across Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena, an on-site activation at The Village precinct, and fan competitions across finals weekend.

A broadcast partnership with Nine will see realestate.com.au integrated across live coverage, including in-play moments and sponsored segments such as ‘Aussies in action’, extending the sponsorship well beyond Melbourne Park.

DiDi’s new partnership focuses squarely on mobility and night-time attendance, with exclusive ride offers tied to Night Ground Pass tickets and promotions encouraging fans to stay later and engage more deeply with AO Summer.

Tennis Australia chief commercial officer Cedric Cornelis said transport plays a critical role in the fan experience.

“Getting to and from Melbourne Park is a big part of the Australian Open experience, and DiDi is a great partner to help make that journey easier and more rewarding for our fans,” Cornelis said.

DiDi Australia chief marketing officer Tim Farmer said the partnership aligns with the brand’s focus on accessibility and affordability.

“This partnership is about making it simpler and more affordable to say ‘Yes I Summer’ – whether that means staying late for a night match or soaking up every moment of AO Summer,” Farmer said.

Fans will also be able to win Australian Open Finals tickets through DiDi ride promotions running throughout the tournament period.

The latest deals follow last week’s announcement that Lipton Ice Tea had joined the Australian Open as a new partner, launching a Gen Z–targeted, non-alcohol fan activation at TOPCOURT alongside limited-edition retail packaging and national supermarket activations.