Where to Watch Rinky Hijikata vs Valentin Vacherot at Australian Open 2026: Channel 9 and World Feed Commentators Guide

Match date: 22 January 2026

Where to Watch Rinky Hijikata vs Valentin Vacherot at Australian Open 2026: Channel 9 and World Feed Commentators Guide

The Men's Singles clash between Rinky Hijikata and Valentin Vacherot at the Australian Open 2026 kicks off at 00:05 UK time on January 22, promising thrilling action from Melbourne Park. For British, American and Australian tennis fans, Channel 9 Australia leads the broadcast with Brenton Speed as main commentator and John Millman as co-commentator, while the world feed features David Culbert and Jamie Murray, ensuring comprehensive coverage across regions.[1][2]

Australian viewers can tune into Channel 9, the free-to-air broadcaster holding exclusive rights, streaming live on 9Now for every match, including this early-round encounter. Nine's Wide World of Sports team delivers unmatched access, with additional coverage on Stan Sport in 4K for premium viewers. Internationally, the world feed provides neutral commentary, often picked up by platforms like ESPN in America or Eurosport elsewhere, making it accessible for UK fans via streaming services.[3][4]

Channel 9 Australia Broadcast: Brenton Speed and John Millman Take Centre Stage

Channel 9 Australia dominates Australian Open coverage, with Brenton Speed calling the shots as main commentator for the Hijikata vs Vacherot match. Speed, a seasoned voice in Nine's lineup since 2024, brings his sharp play-by-play expertise from years covering major sports, including tennis and football via Fox Football earlier in his career. His partnership with Peter Psaltis is a staple for match commentary, as confirmed across multiple outlets, delivering precise calls on rallies and points.[1][2][3]

Joining Speed is co-commentator John Millman, a recently retired Australian pro whose fresh insights elevate the broadcast. Millman, who joined Nine's team in 2024, reached a career-high ATP ranking of 38 and is remembered for his epic five-set win over John Isner at the 2018 US Open. His analysis draws from years on the tour, offering tactical breakdowns ideal for this matchup featuring home hope Rinky Hijikata, the Sydney-born wildcard entering as an underdog against Monegasque qualifier Valentin Vacherot.[1][2][5]

Nine's star-studded roster extends beyond this court, with hosts like James Bracey, Roz Kelly and Tony Jones anchoring from Melbourne Park, alongside experts such as Jim Courier – the former world No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion – and Jelena Dokic, ex-world No. 4. Other pundits include Todd Woodbridge, 16-time Grand Slam doubles winner, and Alicia Molik, former world No. 8, ensuring every angle is covered.[1][3][4]

World Feed Commentary: David Culbert and Jamie Murray's Expert Duo

For global audiences, the world feed steps up with David Culbert as main commentator and Jamie Murray providing co-commentary. Culbert, a veteran tennis broadcaster, offers neutral, high-energy narration synonymous with international coverage, while Murray adds elite doubles pedigree. The three-time Grand Slam doubles champion (including two Australian Opens) and former world No. 1 in doubles brings invaluable insights on net play and strategy, perfect for analysing Hijikata's aggressive baseline game against Vacherot's qualifier resilience.[5]

The world feed is the backbone for non-Australian broadcasts, feeding into American channels like ESPN and Tennis Channel, which often layer their own analysts such as Pam Shriver or Brad Gilbert. UK fans might catch it via streaming or secondary feeds, appreciating Murray's British perspective from his ATP tour days and Davis Cup heroics alongside brother Andy.[1][5]

Player Spotlight: Rinky Hijikata and Valentin Vacherot

Australian Open 2026 faithful will rally behind Rinky Hijikata, the 24-year-old New South Welshman who turned pro in 2017. Hijikata's breakout came with a 2023 US Open doubles title alongside Max Purcell, earning him fan favourite status. In singles, he's pushing for a top-100 breakthrough, leveraging his powerful forehand in this first-round test.[1]

Opposing him is Valentin Vacherot, the 25-year-old from Monaco, navigating qualifiers to reach the main draw. Vacherot's clay-court prowess – highlighted by Challenger titles – translates to hard courts, where his steady all-round game could challenge Hijikata early. Expect grinding rallies under Melbourne's lights.[2]

How to Watch from UK, US and Australia

British fans, tune into streaming platforms carrying the world feed or check Eurosport for overlaps, with the 00:05 UK start suiting night owls. Americans have ESPN and Tennis Channel as go-tos, often syncing with the world feed for early matches. Australians dominate with free Channel 9 and 9Now, no subscription needed.[4][5]

• Australia: Channel 9, 9Now, Stan Sport (4K)
• UK: World feed via streaming services
• US: ESPN, Tennis Channel

Nine's unprecedented access means no moment missed, from court-side cams to player interviews.[4]

Broader Australian Open 2026 Broadcast Team Insights

Channel 9's coverage shines with Olympic stars like canoeist Jess Fox and swimmer Ariarne Titmus adding flair, despite non-tennis backgrounds. Reporters Danika Mason and Clint Stanaway chase off-court drama, while Dylan Alcott, 15-time wheelchair Slam champ, diversifies analysis.[1][2]

Commentators like Sam Stosur (2021 US Open singles winner) and Casey Dellacqua (doubles finalist) round out a team blending playing legends with broadcasters. Brenton Speed's evolution from multi-sport caller to tennis staple underscores Nine's commitment to quality.[3]

For the full Australian Open experience, Nine's team captures Melbourne Park's electric atmosphere, from Rod Laver Arena epics to outer-court gems like this one.

Why This Match Matters and Viewing Tips

This Hijikata vs Vacherot bout exemplifies the Australian Open's depth, pitting local grit against international qualifier fire. With Speed and Millman on Channel 9, expect home bias and tactical nuggets; Culbert and Murray offer balanced global takes.

Pro tip: Use 9Now's multi-court view for Aussies, or world feed streams for others. VPNs help access regional blocks if needed.

Don't miss the action – a potential upset brews Down Under.

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For more on the Australian Open">, explore its history.

Learn about Rinky Hijikata's ATP profile.

Check Nine's tennis rights via official release.