If you think that the Australian Open is just about tennis then prepare to have your mind blown. 2018’s sport extravaganza will not only have ball sports in ample supply, but a food element that will impress the most ardent of foodies.

The AO Chef Series is a food experience set to be introduced to the annual event that will be present a series of pop-up restaurants hosted by some of the nation’s most renowned chefs. Peter Gilmore of Quay and Bennelong, Angela Hartnett from London’s Murano, Alejandro Saravia from Melbourne’s Pastuso, and Jake Nicolson from Blackbird Bar & Grill in Brisbane are just a few of the big names involved.

It’s the first ever Melbourne event for Peter Gilmore, who will be bringing a five-course degustation to the event on January 24. “I’m looking forward to being a part of one of Australia’s greatest sporting events and showcasing a selection of Quay’s signature dishes down in Melbourne,” he says.

Also on the foodie line-up is Michelin-star chef Angela Hartnett, who will be producing another five-course degustation. This one will be based on fare from her award-winning London eatery Murano, and will include Australian dishes with an Italian accent. “I’m super excited to be coming to Melbourne,” says Angela, who has long been present at the Australian Open’s English equivalent. “I always cook at Wimbledon, so love the tennis side, but the real selling point is the fabulous food in Melbourne which I cannot wait to eat. We will be bringing Murano to Melbourne. It’s 10 years old next year so we are putting a menu together that really shows what Murano is about.”

Alejandro Saravia will be hosting a celebration of produce from regional Gippsland in the first viewing of Farmer’s Daughters. His dishes will be matched with a selection of local wines. “I’m super excited because after planning this for a long time, and working with a lot of different regions in Gippsland and a huge variety of produce, we are finally ready to show this, in the amazing space which is The Glasshouse,” he explains of his involvement.

Alejandro will also be joined by Jake Nicolson, the two-hatted executive chef from Brisbane’s Blackbird Bar & Grill. Jake will be serving up a four-course degustation based around a heritage-style Australian menu. “I’m very excited about returning to my home turf of Melbourne, especially for an event as prestigious as the tennis,” says Jake. “Blackbird prides itself on amazing seasonal produce, simplicity on the plate and amazing flavour. Expect the best of the season’s produce prepared simply to highlight every ingredient.”

For Australian Open head of onsite revenue Enda Cunningham, the introduction of the AO Chef Series reflects the continued expansion of the major Australian sporting event. “I’m very excited to introduce the first AO Chef Series – it is shaping up to be a spectacular addition to the precinct and the line-up of chefs is outstanding. We continue to build new experiences to complement the Australian Open, which is now truly one of the world’s biggest sports and entertainment events,” she continues.

Tickets to the AO Chef Series can be bought online.