Five Ways to Get into the Australian Open Spirit If You Can't Make It to Melbourne
We've found a handful of ways to cope with tennis fever if you can't swing a trip south.
in partnership with 
Aussies are known for being passionate about sports — it's kind of our thing. And in January it's all about tennis. Down in Melbourne, the Australian Open takes over the city for more than two weeks of tennis action. Sydneysiders need not despair, as there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit of the Australian Open if you can't make a trip down south.
With the season soon to be in full swing, we've put together a few of the best tennis-related activities to jump into if you just can't get enough of the excitement. It'll be ace.
HEAD TO THE COOGEE BAY HOTEL TO WATCH ALL THE ACTION
If you're after a quintessential Aussie summer experience, round up your crew to watch the Australian Open on a big screen. Preferably you'll want to be outside in a lush garden with a few cold ones, before or after a dip at the beach, in which case Coogee Bay Hotel has you covered. It's bringing all the action to Sydney shores till Sunday, February 2. You can soak up the sun in the garden with an Aperol spritz or a pint of Stella Artois from one of the pop-up bars, and fill your hungry tummy with a burger and schooey special for $25, all while watching the nail-biting rallies go down on the giant outdoor screen. Between sets, you can enter one of the giveaways, with hats, fans and sunnies all up for grabs. You can find more details and RSVP for this one over here.
BRUSH UP ON YOUR BACKHAND AT THESE COURTS AROUND SYDNEY
There's something truly inspirational about watching sports superstars at the top of their game. So, when you're feeling the urge to pop on a visor, pull your socks up high and hit the courts, there are plenty of great spots around Sydney to hone your skills. Hit a few balls at the Eastern Suburbs Tennis Club (and follow it up with a swim at Coogee Beach), work on your serve at Paddington's Maccabi Tennis, hire a court among the trees at Cooper Park or enjoy Rose Bay views at Lyne Park Tennis Centre. On the north shore, head to Mosman's Rawson Park Tennis Centre or Primrose Park Tennis in Cremorne. If you're keen to get into the competitive spirit, rope a mate into teaming up with you in a mixed doubles match at social tennis event Social Serve, which is hosting a killer Australian Open themed event on Saturday, February 1.
FOLLOW ALL THE GOSS ONLINE
Keep up with what's happening behind the scenes by giving a few key players a follow on social media, especially all the Aussie gems who are using their platforms to support those affected by the devastating bushfires. See Ash Barty cuddling a koala on Twitter, follow Nick Kyrgios's donation tally on Instagram and Twitter (he's pledged $200 for every ace he hits for the entire summer) and support Dylan Alcott's $800-per-ace donation on the superstar's Instagram. You can also do your part and pledge your own donation as part of the Aces for Bushfires campaign.
CHALLENGE YOUR MATES TO A SPOT OF PING PONG
If you're not keen on hitting a full-sized tennis court, ping pong is the answer. Plus, it's probably an easier pick for a social afternoon with a couple of brews than heading to a court to work up a proper sweat. Coogee Bay Hotel's Australian Open shindig brings the goods, with ping pong available for a friendly competition or two. Otherwise, check out the free table tennis tables at the Ultimo Community Centre, Darling Quarter or The Goods Line in Haymarket — just be sure to BYO bat and balls. You can also find your closest table to hire on Table Tennis NSW.
HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT WITH THESE TENNIS-THEMED FLICKS
Hit the bottle-o for a case of beer or cider and invite your mates over for a night of Hollywood's finest tennis movies. Watch Emma Stone as feminist icon Billie Jean King in Battle of the Sexes, relive (or discover) Borg Vs McEnroe — the film about the epic Wimbledon match between the 80s rivals which stars Shia LaBeouf and Sverrir Gudnason — or learn a few things from recent documentary Love Means Zero. For sillier vibes, you can't beat Kirsten Dunst's gloriously cringeworthy Wimbledon or Andy Samberg and Kit Harington-starring mockumentary 7 Days in Hell.
To check out the match times and to RSVP to Coogee Bay Hotel's Australian Open celebrations, head this way.
