This year a record 743,667 fans poured through the gates of Melbourne Park for the Australian Open and more than 900 million international and national fans tuned in online and via television broadcasts.

The new name will ensure that when all the action is beamed around the globe, there’s no mistaking that the best of the best is staged in Melbourne, the world’s sporting capital.

The re-naming is part of the ongoing redevelopment of Melbourne Park that the Victorian Government is leading to ensure the entertainment precinct is the envy of the world.

The redevelopment of the precinct has delivered better access via the new Tanderrum foot bridge, a new headquarters for Tennis Australia and Melbourne and Olympic Parks, and a major upgrade to both patron and artist facilities inside Rod Laver Arena.

Construction of the new eastern annexe to Rod Laver Arena and a faster retractable roof is also on track for the Australian Open 2019, in addition to a new multi-purpose 5,000-seat show court arena, as well as a new function and media centre as part of the $271.55 million stage three redevelopment.

Together, the new look and new name mean the Australian Open will remain in Melbourne until at least 2036, bolstering Melbourne’s status as Australia’s sporting capital.

The renaming comes as Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust’s 10-year association with Hisense draws to a close. During this successful partnership, the multi-purpose venue has hosted a raft of outstanding events.