#China #Qingdao #Haier #Australian Open #AO 1 Point Slam

Haier Partners with AO 1 Point Slam: Elevating Amateur Tennis

Haier, a leading global home appliance brand, has officially announced its partnership with the innovative initiative "AO 1 Point Slam," aimed at bringing recreational tennis to the forefront of the Australian Open experience. Scheduled for an exciting launch in August 2026, this partnership is designed to connect local tennis communities with the premier tennis stage in the world.

As part of this collaboration, players from various age groups and skill levels will have the unique opportunity to participate in local qualification tournaments. The ultimate goal? Securing the chance to compete in the esteemed Rod Laver Arena during the opening week of the Australian Open. This initiative not only fosters grassroots engagement in tennis but also enhances the experience for amateur players, allowing them to showcase their skills on a world-class platform.

In a bid to encourage widespread participation, Tennis Australia, alongside Haier, is calling on tennis clubs, associations, schools, and coaches nationwide to host qualification competitions. Each competitor in the main draw during the Australian Open's opening week will represent a local community. What's more, the club associated with the eventual winner will receive a grant to promote the growth of tennis at the grassroots level.

Wang Meiyan, Haier's Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “With our long-standing collaboration with the Australian Open, Haier has established connections with tennis enthusiasts and communities globally. Extending our partnership to the 'AO 1 Point Slam' opens new doors to engage a broader audience of players and fans while bringing the magic of the Australian Open closer to tennis communities around the world.”

Cedric Cornelis, Chief Commercial Officer of Tennis Australia, echoed this sentiment, remarking on the fruitful relationship between the two entities: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Haier to the AO 1 Point Slam. Their commitment to innovation and quality aligns with the values of our sport. This collaboration will not only elevate one of the latest tennis initiatives to new heights but also support grassroots tennis communities across the country.”

This venture aligns seamlessly with Haier's rich history in sports marketing, building on over two decades of experience since their initial collaboration with the Melbourne Tigers in 2004. Over the years, Haier has expanded its presence in globally recognized sporting events, forming alliances with leading football clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and FC Liverpool, as well as major international tournaments such as the Australian Open and Roland-Garros.

These partnerships have allowed Haier to engage with diverse audiences worldwide while gaining valuable insights into local cultures and consumer lifestyles. These learnings play a critical role in shaping Haier’s approach to product development and solutions that meet the evolving needs of households across different markets.

With a global network for research and development and strong local innovation capabilities, Haier designs smart home solutions tailored to specific household environments and lifestyles. From energy-efficient washing machines customized for European homes to high-capacity appliances crafted for North American consumers, Haier continuously adapts its innovations to meet various consumer requirements.

Haier has maintained its status as the world's leading brand in home appliances by sales volume for 17 consecutive years and ranks among the top providers in the smart home sector. The company solidifies its market leadership through innovation, consumer-focused solutions, and local engagement. Bridging sports, community, and technology, Haier aims to create sustainable value for consumers worldwide.

For those interested in participating in the events associated with this initiative, further details and registration can be found on tennis.com.au/one-point-slam.

About Haier Group

Founded in 1984, Haier Group thinks beyond traditional boundaries to offer advanced solutions for better living and digital transformation, encapsulated in their mantra, "More Creation, More Possibilities." With 10 R&D centers, 35 industrial parks, and 173 manufacturing sites, Haier reported a global revenue of $59.8 billion in 2025. Notably, Haier is the only IoT ecosystem brand to feature for eight consecutive years on the "Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands" list, while also securing the top spot in global home appliance market share for 17 straight years according to Euromonitor International.