Whether fans are on site or watching the action from around the world, AO Radio, the official station of the Australian Open, is the ultimate companion as it broadcasts live from the heart of Melbourne Park.
From the first serve to the final point, AO Radio covers the action with ball-by-ball commentary from Rod Laver Arena and beyond, along with regular score updates and breaking news.
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Live coverage kicks off daily at 10:45 am, so there's no chance of missing a single moment of the tournament’s magic.
For die-hard tennis fans or those just looking for something lively to brighten the day, AO Radio caters for everyone. AO Radio Manager, Peter Marcato, explains that their team of experts and former players try to give listeners an idea of “why” things happen in a particular way.
“Obviously a lot of the stuff we do is description of what's happening out on the court, but things like terminologies we try to explain,” he says.
AO Radio isn’t just a local service; it’s an international one. “People may not be able to get access to the Australian Open on TV for whatever reason," Marcato adds. "Or sometimes we're doing a match and the broadcasters in their country are doing a different match, and they may want to listen to that one. We provide that coverage for them.”
Being an international service means AO Radio also bridges the cultural gap for its global audience. Marcato notes that there are things around Melbourne Park that are uniquely Australian, but the team ensures everyone feels part of the action.
“Part of that process is explaining to a worldwide audience the Australian side of things - how Melbourne Park is set up and some of the things that they can do,” Marcato says.
He also shared how they love hearing from listeners all over the world. “We like to keep a visual map in our minds and tick off where people are listening from,” he says. So get in contact and let them know where you are.
But it’s not just about live matches. AO Radio goes deeper into the world of tennis with fascinating interviews with past champions, stories about legends who’ve graced the courts, and insights from their team of 16 expert commentators. Guest analysts add to the mix with fresh perspectives and engaging takes.
“The fact that we're able to get them in as part of our team, but also doing interviews in our programmes as well, has been fantastic," Marcato says. "We really try to unite all the different pieces of the AO.”
With the listener voice part of the story, feedback is actively encouraged. Marcato reveals that the most asked question over the last nine days has been, 'Who will be the winner?' Come on guys, send them some more — they love to answer.
Marcato also revealed a fan-favourite occasional segment called 'Midnight Madness' that airs if coverage goes late. “It’s the most requested segment, which I came up with years ago," he says. "It's good fun. Our audience loves it and we cover some quirky topics.”
When AO Radio says it’s live from Melbourne Park, they mean it. The commentary position is right at court level at Rod Laver Arena. Marcato describes it as “one of the most exciting parts."
“To be there to be able to do it is an incredible privilege and to see the best players in the world up close," he says.
Reflecting on his years with AO Radio, Marcato share some of his favourite memories, including commentating on the 2012 men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
But for him, the true highlight has been the connection with listeners. “They enjoy the banter," he says. "Voices that have been on here for 20 years. So, they know the people, and we create that connection with our audience as well.”
With its vibrant mix of live coverage, insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes stories, AO Radio delivers the Australian Open experience like never before.
AO Radio is available via the app or website, on 99.7FM in Melbourne, Vision Australia Radio, ESPN Sirius XM in the US, iHeartRadio, TuneIn Radio, or the SEN network.