Australian Open pours new beer partner

Australian brewery Coopers has entered into a multi-year partnership with tennis grand slam the Australian Open.

The deal becomes effective from the 2017 Australian Open and names Coopers as the official beer and cider partner of the tournament. According to the AAP news agency, Tennis Australia and Coopers have agreed a five-year deal, which would run until the 2021 edition of the tournament.

As part of the deal, Coopers’ beer and cider brands will be on sale throughout the Melbourne Park venue. Coopers replaces Dutch brewing company Heineken as the tournament's beer partner.

Under the agreement, Coopers will also support the Brisbane International, Apia International Sydney, Hobart International and World Tennis Challenge events from this summer, and the Hopman Cup from 2018.

The 2017 Australian Open takes place in Melbourne from January 16-29.