Summer in Melbourne means one thing – the Australian Open. Sure, it’s all about the tennis, but with 55,000 people dining across Melbourne Park and sipping on 15,000 glasses of Piper-Heidsieck in 2019, it’s clear there’s plenty more on offer off court, too.

This year, it culminates in the men’s and women’s finals, which have been teamed with some of Melbourne’s most exclusive restaurants.

2020 sees the inaugural Finals Table, flaunting some of the city’s best dining talent alongside the greatest on-court battles in the world. Expect a supreme degustation featuring Attica and Vue de Monde, Chin Chin squaring off with Kisume, the iconic Stokehouse pairing with Scott Pickett’s lauded Matilda, and Tokyo Tina pairing with Maha East, to name a few.

For the first time, visitors can access Vantage premium tickets, granting fans access to all 25 sessions, plus to the exclusive Atrium, VIP merch, and priority dining access.

The Grand Slam Oval has been overhauled to showcase the best of Victoria on a plate. It’s here where Atlas Dining’s Charlie Carrington will debut his new restaurant, Lomah (Land of Milk and Honey) at a special AO pop-up.

“We will feature delicious homemade falafels, lamb and chicken to accompany our uniquely flavoured combinations and salads,” Carrington says. “Lomah will also use environmentally friendly, fully compostable packaging to serve up our healthy menu at the tournament.”

Lomah is joined by mod-Japanese gurus Mr Miyagi, Shane Delia’s Biggie Smalls, mod-Mex favourite Mamasita, and cult dessert bar Cacao.

Alongside the Grand Slam Oval, 56 By The Glasshouse (named after the 1956 Melbourne Olympics) will be transformed into a culinary mecca spotlighting local produce.

The 2020 instalment of the AO will also welcome back Rockpool and Nobu, with Rockpool offering private dining options to a select few.

Also returning is the AO Chef Series, powered by an all-female line-up in 2020 including Aussie talent Donna Hay, Sarah Todd and Tasmania’s Analiese Gregory, plus Thailand’s top Michelin Star chefs Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava.

There will also be wine tasting, tennis clinics, fan walks, exclusive Melbourne and regional experiences, the opportunity to meet a legend, and plenty more.

Game, set, match.

Australian Open 2020, presented by Kia Motors in association with Luzhou Laojiao and Rolex, is happening at Melbourne Park from 20 January to 2 February. Tickets are on sale via ticketmaster.com.au.