How to Watch Lleyton Hewitt & Patrick Rafter vs Marcos Baghdatis & Tommy Haas: Men's Invitational Doubles at Australian Open 2026 - Commentators, Channels & Live Guide

The Men's Invitational Doubles clash between Australian legends Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter facing off against Marcos Baghdatis and Tommy Haas at the Australian Open 2026 promises nostalgia, skill and high-energy tennis. Scheduled for January 28, 2026, at 02:20 UK time, this exhibition match on the world's biggest stage will be broadcast on the world feed with David Culbert as main commentator and David Taylor as co-commentator, ensuring expert insights throughout.

For UK viewers, while primary coverage of the Australian Open often falls to Eurosport and discovery+, the world feed provides a neutral, high-quality option accessible via streaming platforms carrying international tennis broadcasts. American audiences can tune into ESPN networks, which extensively cover the event including doubles and invitational matches, with ESPN+ offering additional streams.[3] The Tennis Channel in the US also delivers comprehensive AO coverage, often featuring legends' matches. No specific UK free-to-air like BBC or ITV is confirmed for this late-night slot, but check Stan Sport in Australia for local world feed access.

This match highlights the Australian Open's tradition of invitational doubles, pitting retired stars against each other post-main draw. With the main men's doubles quarterfinals underway on January 28 - including Christian Harrison/Neal Skupski vs Petr Nouza/Patrik Rikl - the invitational event adds flair.[6] The tournament runs from January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park, with doubles finals on January 31.[2]

World Feed Commentary Team: David Culbert and David Taylor

Leading the call on the world feed is David Culbert, main commentator whose career spans decades in tennis broadcasting. Culbert has covered numerous Grand Slams, bringing his deep knowledge of the sport to audiences worldwide. His smooth delivery and analytical prowess make him a staple for international viewers, particularly during high-profile events like the Australian Open.

Joining him as co-commentator is David Taylor, a respected figure in tennis punditry. Taylor's background includes playing at a professional level and transitioning into media, where he has provided colour commentary for ATP events and majors. His insights into player tactics and historical context will enrich the viewing experience for this legends matchup.

Australian Icons: Lleyton Hewitt and Patrick Rafter

Lleyton Hewitt, Australia's last Grand Slam singles champion, won the US Open in 2001 and reached the Australian Open final in 2005. Known for his relentless energy and 'Come on!' battle cry, Hewitt captained Australia to multiple Davis Cup triumphs and now mentors the next generation. This invitational appearance lets him showcase doubles prowess alongside his compatriot.Learn more about Hewitt's career.

Patrick Rafter, a two-time US Open winner (1997, 1998), brought serve-volley mastery to the baseline era. The Queenslander reached world No.1 and secured Davis Cup glory for Australia. Post-retirement, Rafter has stayed involved in tennis through commentary and charity, making his return to Melbourne Park a homecoming highlight.

European Flair: Marcos Baghdatis and Tommy Haas

Cypriot star Marcos Baghdatis burst onto the scene with a memorable 2006 Australian Open final run at age 20, pushing Roger Federer hard. A three-time ATP titlist, Baghdatis's powerful forehand and fighting spirit endeared him globally. Now retired, he coaches and plays exhibitions, adding firepower to this pairing.

German veteran Tommy Haas amassed 15 ATP titles, including Indian Wells and Stuttgart Masters 1000s. A consistent top-10 player thwarted by injuries, Haas served as Davis Cup captain and ATP executive. His all-court game complements Baghdatis perfectly for this invitational showdown.

Where to Watch Around the World

• UK: Eurosport and discovery+ for main coverage; world feed via VPN on international streams around 02:20 GMT.
• USA: ESPN, ESPN+ and Tennis Channel from evening ET (late night UK time).[3]
• Australia: Channel 9, Stan Sport for live action.
• Global: World feed on ATP Tour app, Tennis TV or official AO site streams.

The Australian Open 2026 boasts a AUD $111.5 million prize pot, with doubles teams vying for $900,000 for winners.[2] Though invitational matches don't award ranking points, they draw huge crowds for the spectacle. Main draw doubles seeds like Marcel Granollers/Horacio Zeballos (No.3) and Marcelo Arevalo/Mate Pavic (No.4) are in quarterfinal contention.[4]

Tournament Context and Schedule Insights

January 28 marks Day 11 of the main draw, with men's doubles quarterfinals dominating play.[1][6] The provisional schedule shifted finals weekend for better flow, starting doubles earlier.[5] Invitational events like this Hewitt/Rafter vs Baghdatis/Haas typically slot into evening sessions on outer courts, perfect for late UK viewing at 02:20.

Past Australian Opens featured similar legends matches, boosting fan engagement. With defending doubles champs Harri Heliovaara/Henry Patten out early,[4] new contenders emerge, but the invitational steals the spotlight for history buffs.

Why This Match Matters

Expect baseline rallies from Hewitt and Baghdatis clashing with Rafter and Haas's net assaults. At 02:20 UK time (around midday Melbourne), conditions favour aggressive play on the fast hard courts. Viewers get a taste of 2000s tennis amid modern stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur in the mix.[2]

For betting or fantasy, legends matches are unpredictable fun. Check ATP stats for head-to-heads: Hewitt and Rafter share Davis Cup bonds, while Baghdatis/Haas bring Euro precision.

Player Career Highlights Table

This table underscores the pedigree on display. Sources confirm the 2026 AO's expanded doubles focus.[2][4]

Streaming Tips and Alternatives

If world feed access proves tricky, ESPN's scoreboard tracks live scores.[3] Australian Open's site offers order of play updates.[6] For US fans, ESPN Unlimited streams quarterfinals, potentially overlapping this invitational.

In the UK, set reminders for 02:20 GMT - that's prime time Down Under. Australians catch it daytime via Nine Network. Global tennis fans appreciate the world feed's purity, sans ads, led by Culbert and Taylor.

Broader Australian Open 2026 Overview

The Happy Slam features Qualifying from January 12-15, main draw from 18th.[2] Prize money surges, singles winner netting $4.15m. Doubles third round paid $92k per team.[2] Melbourne Park's schedule includes night sessions from 7pm local.

Invitational doubles honour the tournament's legacy since 1905. With seeds like Julian Cash/Lloyd Glasspool (No.1) exiting early,[4] upsets abound. This Hewitt/Rafter match revives rivalries, drawing families across UK, US and Australia.

Final Viewing Notes

Tune in via world feed for Culbert and Taylor's call - their experience elevates the action. Whether you're a Hewitt fan in London, Rafter supporter in Sydney or Haas admirer in LA, this is unmissable. Check local listings for ESPN, Tennis Channel or Eurosport overlaps. Enjoy the Australian Open 2026 Men's Invitational Doubles!

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