Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

New Australian Open boss Andrew Abdo throws shade at critics: ‘I’m not an outsider’

Andrew Abdo, the newly appointed chief executive of Tennis Australia, has vowed to expand the Australian Open’s fan experience ahead of the 2027 tournament. His first major initiative includes installing a 700-seat grandstand at Melbourne Park, the largest temporary structure ever built for the event.

Abdo also announced plans to triple the shade coverage across the outer courts, aiming to enhance comfort for spectators while managing demand through capped day-pass sales. Despite past criticism about his background as an outsider to professional tennis, Abdo emphasized that his leadership will drive the tournament’s growth and innovation, positioning the Australian Open as a more accessible and welcoming event for fans.

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