400 kilograms of plastic saved: sustainability at Australian Open

Tennis stars embrace eco-friendly efforts at Melbourne Park, highlighting the sport’s commitment to environmental responsibility, especially at this year’s Australian Open. 

Players have actively engaged with the tournament’s eco-friendly initiatives, emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility.

Tennis Australia has implemented several sustainability measures, including waste reduction strategies and community engagement programs. The partnership with the Victorian Government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) exemplifies this commitment. Matthew Nicholas, Tennis Australia’s Director of Sustainability, stated, “Partnering with the CDS presents a fantastic alignment with our commitment to waste reduction and education.”

Players have expressed strong support for these initiatives. Novak Djokovic, a prominent advocate for environmental causes, praised the tournament’s efforts, noting, “It’s inspiring to see the Australian Open leading the way in sustainability. Every small action contributes to a larger impact.”

Similarly, American player Taylor Fritz has demonstrated his commitment to environmental causes by donating his Australian Open prize money to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires. Fritz remarked, “I feel it’s the least I can do, as ‘SoCal’ has always been my home.”

These actions reflect a broader trend within the tennis community, where players are increasingly aware of their environmental impact and are taking steps to promote sustainability.

The one million projected tennis fans at this year’s Australian Open will now use 38,000 reusable cups, instead of the 50,000 single use cups that will now be avoided. This is equal to 400 kilograms of plastic.

As the tournament progresses, the collaboration between players, organizers, and fans continues to set a positive example for sustainability in sports. The Australian Open 2025 stands as a testament to the collective effort required to make significant environmental strides.

Inside the Baseline…

The Australian Open’s commitment to sustainability is drawing attention. As the tournament enters 2025, players and stakeholders are speaking out about the environmental efforts that have taken center stage. From eco-friendly materials in player gear to the tournament’s broader initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, sustainability has become a focal point. The fact that the sport’s elite are vocal about the need for change not only boosts awareness but sets a powerful precedent. It’s exciting to see the tennis world align itself with these efforts, and with so much momentum, the game could be in the perfect position to drive further change across the global sports landscape.