Australian Open fans have been given more access and insight into behind-the-scenes moments than ever before at this year’s grand slam at Melbourne Park. From tennis players walking the halls of Rod Laver Arena to hitting the gym or practice courts, fans are able to see it all – more than ever before.

Over the last few days, social media has been flooded with unique clips of players that TV viewers don’t usually get to see. Thanks to social media and the Australian Open’s YouTube channel, there isn’t much that’s off limits when it comes to players going about their business at the tournament.

Cameras are stationed everywhere around Melbourne Park – including in some unique places that players wouldn’t expect. It’s led to some eye-opening moments being caught on camera as the grand slam officially kicked off on Sunday.

Players have been spotted mingling with (or avoiding) rivals in the halls of Rod Laver Arena, and Carlos Alcaraz was captured holding the door for an official wheeling a trolley full of gear. Fans were quick to praise the World No.3 and said it showed how humble and down-to-earth the young Spaniard is.

Fellow Spaniard Paula Badosa was also captured in a rather intimate moment with boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas, who didn’t appear to be in a good mood. Badosa was seen trying to cheer Tsitsipas up and put a smile on his face by touching him on the nose playfully. However it didn’t appear to work, with the Greek star looking rather down in the dumps ahead of his first match.

Australian Open fans given more access than ever before

Novak Djokovic has also been spotted being spooked by Nick Kyrgios, and chatting with new coach Andy Murray in the locker room. The unique vision has added to the excitement of the Australian Open, but also put players on notice to be wary of how they act when they think they’re not being watched.

The unprecedented access is a huge win for fans, but it can leave the players in some unfortunate situations after matches. Alex de Minaur was spotted being consoled by girlfriend Katie Boulter after a loss last year, but many thought that sort of moment should be kept private.

And the same occurred with women’s World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open in 2023. Sabalenka had just lost the final to American star Coco Gauff, and although she put on a brave face on court she was shattered.

Locker room footage showed her smashing multiple racquets after the trophy presentation, sparking questions about how much privacy the players should be afforded in their lowest moments. Murray’s mother Judy wrote on social media: “This footage should never have been made public. A private moment in an empty training room after the disappointment of losing a grand slam final.”

Time will tell how much privacy the players are afforded throughout the Australian Open, and whether anyone comes undone with ‘Big Brother’ watching.