15,000 entertained fans, six top players, one champion – at a sold out Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne during the Opening Week of the Australian Open.
Jan 16, Melbourne, AUS – The eighth global edition of Red Bull BassLine delivered an unforgettable evening of world-class tennis and entertainment. The event delivered excitement from start to finish. From thrilling tie break battles and standout performances by six international tennis stars, to DJ sets, spectacular side acts, and a live performance by global music superstar Fisher. 19-year-old Nicolai Budkov Kjær, produced a sizzling, high energy performance to secure the title, winning the final against Australia’s Jordan Thompson in 3-sets to one.
Red Bull BassLine | Friday, January 16th, 2026 at Rod Laver Arena:“It feels great, super grateful that I could compete, and even greater I could win. I loved the crowd, I loved the big court… it was lovely and I wish to play it again,”shared Budkov Kjær.
Runner-up Jordan Thompson spoke about his Red Bull BassLine debut. “It was so much fun, the crowd was electric. It was a lot more relaxed with the music as the background, and I think it brings better tennis. So better tennis for us, and better tennis for the crowd”.
Aussie superstar Nick Kyrgios, who competed in the event for the very first time, may not have made the final, but it didn’t stop him from running onto the court to support his Aussie compatriot throughout the event. “The DJ was playing bangers all night, the music was insane. I think it’s good. I think tennis needs this side. It’s very traditional and I think having events like this is a lot of fun for the crowd and I think the crowd loved it as well.”
It was the second time the event had been played in Melbourne, following last year’s 2025 edition, and just the second time the international event had been played outside of Europe.
About Red Bull BassLine
Red Bull BassLine is a rapid-fire, unique tennis format combining high class tennis with music and entertainment.
In Melbourne six players took part; Flavio Cobolli #22 (ITA), Arthur Rinderknech #26 (FRA), Matteo Berrettini #56 (ITA), Jordan Thompson #111 (AUS), Nicolai Budkov Kjær #135 (NOR), Nick Kyrgios #671 (AUS).
Players are voted into two groups and play against each other in a fun tie-break format to the beat of a live DJ on court.
The winners of each group then go on, to battle it out in the final. There is no umpire, just epic beats from the DJ. It’s fast, unique, energetic and the crowd gets loud!
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