Sofitel Melbourne Brings Australian Open Vibe with Pickleball, Pommery, Player Q&A

Sofi’s Lounge at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins has been transformed into a courtside hub where pickleball, Pommery Champagne and live Australian Open viewing come together for fans, visitors and locals. The hotel’s program is running from 19 January to 1 February 2026 and aims to recreate tournament energy just 1.6 kilometres from Melbourne Park.

At the heart of the activation is a branded pickleball court takeover in Sofi’s Courtside Lounge paired with a Pommery Champagne pop-up cart and bespoke floral installations inspired by the Australian Open. The lounge features a mega 5m x 3m LED viewing screen and deck chairs, and the hotel has increased seating this year to offer an elevated, communal place to watch matches while enjoying specially curated menus that echo the tournament vibe.

A headline moment took place on 16 January when Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas joined a moderated Q&A with TV presenter Georgie Tunny, giving guests a rare, intimate look at his tennis heritage, mindset and life on tour. Venus Williams was also a special guest and enjoyed a friendly hit of pickleball with Tsitsipas in Sofi’s Courtside Lounge, with entertainer Rob Mills acting as referee. Those match-adjacent moments underline the crossover appeal of tennis and pickleball and make the hotel a practical stop for anyone wanting proximity to players without the Melbourne Park crowds.

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins has a track record of hosting top international talent, including Serena Williams and Qinwen Zheng, and the current activations continue that tradition by positioning the hotel as a luxury retreat where global sport meets social programming. “Melbourne is a city defined by major moments, and we’re proud to bring our guests closer to the excitement and personalities that make the Australian Open so special,” said Stephan Leroy, General Manager, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins. “Our Australian Open program reflects Sofitel’s commitment to celebrating culture and excellence, this time through the lens of world-class sport.”

For local players and fans the setup offers practical value: an indoor social court to try a quick rally, large-screen live viewing to catch key matches, and a central city address that keeps you close to Melbourne Park. With the program still running through 1 February, book early for lounge seating and consider timing visits around marquee matches to maximize the player atmosphere. This blend of hospitality and hands-on sport signals a continuing trend of hotels programming athletic experiences that cater to both tennis followers and the growing pickleball community.