Where to watch Australian Open tennis in Phuket
The Australian Open 2026 runs from 12 January to 1 February at Melbourne Park. Phuket is in Thailand (same time zone as Bangkok, UTC+7), while Melbourne is UTC+11 during the tournament—so matches start early: day sessions ~8am local, night sessions ~4pm, finals in the evening.Phuket has plenty of sports bars (especially Aussie-focused ones in Patong and Kamala) that screen major tennis events like the AO. Expect big screens, cold beers, and lively crowds of expats and tourists.
- Women’s Singles Final: Saturday, January 31 (night session Melbourne time starts 7:30 PM AEDT starts 3:30 PM Phuket time)
- Men’s Singles Final: Sunday, February 1 (night session Melbourne time starts 7:30 PM AEDT starts 3:30 PM Phuket time).
Best Places to Watch in Phuket (Sports Bars & Pubs)
Phuket’s sports bars love Aussie events—many owned by Australians and packed with expats. They reliably show the AO on multiple screens. Top spots:
| Bar Name | Location | Description | Type of Food Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aussie Bar | Patong, Bangla Road | The go-to Aussie pub with 60+ TVs over 2 floors, pool tables, and a massive crowd for tennis. Prime spot for AO – lively with cheap drinks. | Australian pub fare (burgers, pies, classic bar food) |
| Hooters Phuket | Patong | American chain with 12 TVs; often shows tennis alongside US sports. Fun, casual atmosphere with signature wings. | American classics (wings, burgers, sandwiches) |
| Aussie Pub Kamala | Kamala Beach | Relaxed Aussie vibe with big screens; shows all major sports including tennis. Less hectic than Patong – perfect for a chill viewing. | Aussie classics (steaks, schnitzels, bar snacks) |
| Bar Name | Location | Description | Type of Food Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walkabout Sports Bar | Karon Beach | Multiple screens and pool table; focuses on Aussie sports (AFL, NRL, tennis). Great for early sessions with breakfast deals. | Pub grub (breakfasts, burgers, pies) |
| Legends Sports Bar & Grill | Patong | Aussie-owned with excellent burgers and pies; multiple screens for tennis and other sports. Solid atmosphere for matches. | Gourmet burgers, Aussie pies, grilled items |
| Peppers Sports Bar | Cherngtalay/Laguna area | Casual English/Aussie pub feel with giant screen + smaller TVs; good for NRL, AFL, and tennis viewing. | British/Aussie pub food (fish & chips, roasts, pies) |
| Angus O’Tool’s Irish Pub | Karon | 100-inch projectors + plasmas; popular for tennis, rugby, and major events. Lively Irish pub vibe. | Traditional Irish fare (stews, shepherd’s pie, pub classics) |
| The Clubhouse Phuket | Rawai/Nai Harn | Newer spot with tons of screens; relaxed southern Phuket vibe, great for sports fans wanting a quieter experience. | International bar food (wings, pizzas, salads) |
Most cluster in Patong (nightlife hub) or quieter beaches like Kamala/Karon. Check Facebook pages for AO schedules—many post “Australian Open live here!” Book tables for semis/finals.
Hotels with beIN Sports for In-Room Viewing
Few hotels confirm beIN Sports specifically, but upscale resorts with premium cable often include it (or have casting/smart TVs for beIN Connect app). Contact ahead:
- Many international chains (Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental) in areas like Laguna or Mai Khao have sports channels—ask for beIN.
- Beachfront resorts in Patong/Kamala may have it in sports packs.
- Alternative: Most hotels have HDMI/Chromecast—stream beIN Connect or 9Now (with VPN) on your device to the TV.
Additional Tips
- Time Difference: Early matches = morning bar sessions (brekkie + tennis); finals = prime evening viewing.
- Costs: Beers ~THB 100-200; no cover at bars (buy drinks/food).
- Crowds: Patong bars get packed—arrive early for big matches.
- Apps: beIN Sports Connect or 9Now (VPN) for mobile/on-the-go.
Official Broadcast in Thailand (Including Phuket)
- beIN Sports holds exclusive rights for Thailand and Southeast Asia.
- Available via: TrueVisions (cable/satellite sports pack), AIS Play, or beIN Sports Connect app (~THB 399/month).
- No free-to-air TV broadcast.
Free Streaming Option (Legal with VPN)
The easiest free way: Stream on Australia’s 9Now (Channel 9) – full coverage, every court, completely free.
- Use a VPN to connect to an Australian server (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN – many have 30-day money-back guarantees).
- Steps: VPN on → Australia server → 9now.com.au → Free account (use postcode like 3000) → Stream live.
- Works perfectly on phones, laptops, or cast to hotel TV.
YouTube has official highlights and some live clips, but not full matches.
Whether chilling in a beachside pub or streaming from your hotel, Phuket’s got you covered for AO action. Enjoy the slams, upsets, and hopefully some Thai sun between matches! If you need specific bar recs or VPN help, ask away.
Australian travel blogger and aviation enthusiast based in Sydney, living a relaxed retired life filled with daily flat whites. Passionate about exploring The World's hidden gems TripAtrek travel blog is on a mission: To share these gems with you.