One of Australia’s most treasured sporting venues has hit the market, and a legend of the game has returned to rally interest in the iconic entertainment precinct.
The Australian Open has been listed exclusively on realestate.com.au, and in a game-changing career pivot, tennis legend Pat Rafter has pitched in to court potential buyers.
The Australian Open, has been listed on realestate.com.au. Picture: Tennis Australia / Morgan Hancock
The champion player has swapped his racquet for real estate, heading up agency Rafter & Co. to market Australia’s number one address in tennis.
It’s a place he’s intimately familiar with, having competed in nine Australian Open tournaments throughout his professional career.
The beloved sporting complex includes dozens of tennis courts. Picture: Tennis Australia
Putting his own spin on the listing, the two-time Grand Slam winner has hosted a video walkthrough of the venue.
“We are definitely expecting a huge turnout for this listing,” he said. “Come summer, this place will be packed to the rafters.”
“This really is open-plan living at its finest. It’s close to all the action, the hustle and bustle. What more do you want?”
Sporting hero Pat Rafter has taken a swing at real estate, marketing Australia's no. 1 address in tennis in a video walkthrough. Picture: realestate.com.au
The promotional listing has been launched as part of realestate.com.au's multi-year sponsorship of the the Australian Open, kicking off with the 2026 tournament which runs from January 12 to February 1.
Described as “the ultimate residence for those who appreciate ample seating and abundant space”, the expansive property is built for entertaining, hosting not only tennis matches but also major concerts by artists such as Elton John, Ed Sheeran and P!NK.
The venue is bathed in natural light, and is designed for all-weather gatherings thanks to retractable roofs over the three main arenas.
The Australian Open will be open for inspection daily until 1 February 2026, with attendance expected to exceed 1 million. Picture: Tennis Australia / Morgan Hancock
In addition to more than 35 tennis courts, the 20-hectare sporting facility includes 802 toilets and 878 parking spots.
It takes advantage of its unbeatable position at 1 Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne, located on the fringe of the Melbourne CBD and just footsteps from Richmond’s buzzing cafes and bars.
The venue is located right next to the CBD with abundant transport options. Picture: Tennis Australia / Kit Haselden
Transport is a breeze, with multiple train stations and tram stops within walking distance.
Purpose-built in 1988 to host the Australian Open, the venue includes the 15,000-capacity Rod Laver Arena, as well as John Cain Arena which seats 10,500 and Margaret Court Arena which seats 7,000.
Tennis great Pat Rafter has described the venue as "open plan living at its finest". Picture: Tennis Australia
Capacity was boosted by the addition of the 5000-seat Kia Arena, which was built in 2021 as part of a $271 million redevelopment of the precinct.
More than 1.2 million fans attended the Australian Open last year, with Madison Keys claiming the women's singles title and Jannik Sinner clinching the men's title for the second year in a row.
Realestate.com.au is the official real estate partner of the Australian Open, bringing together two of Australia's greatest passions – property and sport.
English (US) · 