History will be made no matter what unfolds under the lights of Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz stands on the brink of history, with the 22-year-old poised to become the youngest men’s player ever to complete the coveted Career Grand Slam if he lifts the trophy. On the other side of the net, Novak Djokovic is chasing something even more monumental, a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title that would see him surpass Australian icon Margaret Court. The stage is set at the 2026 Australian Open!

Amid the anticipation surrounding this blockbuster final, the Australian Open has added another layer of excitement with its much-talked-about ‘Night of Legends’ event. Featuring some of the biggest names the sport has ever seen, including Rafael Nadal and Ash Barty, the celebration has captured fans’ attention worldwide.

With exclusive appearances, tributes to tennis royalty, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to win tickets to the men’s final, the ‘Night of Legends’ has become a major talking point as Melbourne gears up for a historic Sunday night.

What is the Australian Open’s ‘Night of Legends’ Event?

The Australian Open’s Night of Legends is a special one-night celebration hosted by Tennis Australia, designed to honor some of the greatest names the sport has ever produced while delivering a premium, fan-first live experience. Scheduled for Sunday, 1 February – the same day as the men’s singles final – the event adds extra star power to the tournament’s grand finale, blending nostalgia, celebration, and fan engagement under one roof.

Headlining the event is 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, who will be joined by former world No. 1 and Australian Open champion Ashleigh Barty, alongside Australian wheelchair tennis icon Dylan Alcott.

Taking place inside Kia Arena at Melbourne Park, the Night of Legends will feature interactive fan activities, live music with a DJ, and exclusive on-stage conversations with the three stars. Fans attending the event will also have the chance to win exciting prizes, including tickets to the men’s final and a photo opportunity with two-time Australian Open champion Nadal, making it a must-watch celebration on the final night of the tournament.

Why are Rafael Nadal, Ash Barty, and Dylan Alcott being honored at the event?

The Night of Legends celebrates players whose impact on the Australian Open and the sport itself goes far beyond titles, and few names embody that legacy better than Rafael Nadal, Ash Barty, and Dylan Alcott. Each has produced defining moments at Melbourne Park, inspiring fans across generations and earning a lasting place in Australian Open history.

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Nadal, who retired from professional tennis in November 2024, remains one of the tournament’s most iconic champions. The 22-time Grand Slam winner lifted the Melbourne trophy in 2009 and 2022, both after grueling five-set finals. His 2022 triumph stands among the greatest comebacks in tennis history, as he rallied from two sets down against Daniil Medvedev to prevail after five hours and 24 minutes.

Nadal finished his Australian Open career with a remarkable 77–16 win–loss record and made his final appearance at the event in 2023. A global ambassador for Kia since 2004, his return to Melbourne Park also marks more than two decades of partnership with the tournament’s longtime sponsor.

Ash Barty’s legacy at the Australian Open is equally profound. In 2022, she became the first Australian woman in 44 years to win the singles title at Melbourne Park, delivering a moment that resonated far beyond tennis. Just two months later, Barty stunned the sporting world by announcing her retirement, sealing her status as a national icon whose impact extended well beyond her time on court.

Dylan Alcott, meanwhile, is one of the most successful wheelchair tennis players in Australian Open history. With multiple singles and doubles titles to his name, Alcott played a pivotal role in elevating wheelchair tennis on the global stage, using his platform to drive inclusivity and inspire change within the sport.

In a statement, the Australian Open explained the significance of the tribute: “Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott will set the stage, sharing stories, memories, and their love of Australian tennis, followed by Rafael Nadal, who returns for his first appearance as an AO Legend, sharing stories about his AO journey and legacy.”

What happens during the Night of Legends event?

As part of Kia’s 25-year partnership with the Australian Open, fans will also enjoy live DJ music, interactive moments, and the chance to win prizes, including tickets to the men’s final and many more, making the celebration a fitting tribute to three true legends of the game. “Fans will have the rare opportunity to hear from these legends of the game, along with live music from DJs, interactive fan moments and the chance to win prizes, including tickets to the men’s final and a once-in-a-lifetime photo session with Rafael Nadal.”

How can fans attend the Australian Open’s Night of Legends event?

Fans looking to be part of the Australian Open’s Night of Legends need to purchase a special Night of Legends Special Edition Ground Pass. Priced at $35 ($24.36 USD), the pass offers excellent value and access to a full day of action and entertainment at Melbourne Park on the final day of the tournament.

The ground pass includes all-day access to Melbourne Park, along with unreserved entry to Kia Arena for the Night of Legends event, where fans can hear from Rafael Nadal, Ash Barty, and Dylan Alcott. Ticket holders can also stay on after the event to watch the men’s singles final live on the big screens, soaking in the atmosphere as history unfolds on Championship Sunday.

Tickets for the Night of Legends Special Edition Ground Pass went on sale at midday on Monday, 19 January 2026, and were available exclusively through the Australian Open’s official website.

How can fans win men’s final tickets through the Night of Legends?

Adding to the excitement, men’s singles final tickets are up for grabs as part of special prize giveaways during the Night of Legends event. Tennis Australia has built fan interaction into the celebration, giving attendees a genuine chance to upgrade their Australian Open experience on the biggest night of the tournament.

Fans who arrive early will have the opportunity to win exclusive prizes through on-site competitions, interactive fan activations, and random prize draws held inside Melbourne Park and Kia Arena. Among the most sought-after rewards are tickets to the men’s final, offering lucky winners a chance to witness history unfold live at Rod Laver Arena. How excited are you for this event and also the mega final featuring Carlos Alcaraz and the 10x champion Novak Djokovic? Who is the favorite in this duel, though?