How to Watch Lleyton Hewitt & Mark Philippoussis vs Marcos Baghdatis & Marat Safin in Australian Open 2026 Men's Invitational Doubles: Robbie Koenig and Wally Masur on World Feed Commentary

As the Australian Open 2026 reaches its thrilling conclusion from 18 January to 1 February at Melbourne Park, tennis fans across the UK, US, and Australia are gearing up for a nostalgic showdown in the Men's Invitational Doubles. Scheduled for 29 January at 00:40 UK time, the match pits Australian legends Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis against former stars Marcos Baghdatis and Marat Safin. This exhibition-style event promises high-energy rallies and crowd-pleasing moments, commentated on the world feed by the expert duo of Robbie Koenig as main commentator and Wally Masur as co-commentator.[1][2]

British viewers can catch the action via Sky Sports, which holds extensive rights for the tournament, often featuring the world feed with Koenig and Masur. In the US, ESPN provides comprehensive coverage, including doubles and invitational matches, while the Tennis Channel offers additional streaming options. Australian audiences have access through 9Now and Stan Sport, seamlessly integrating the world feed. These broadcasters ensure global fans don't miss a serve, with the world feed delivering neutral, high-quality production direct from Melbourne Park.[3][4]

The Australian Open, established in 1905, is the first Grand Slam of the year, boasting a prize purse of AUD $111.5 million and drawing top talents like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic. While the main draws wrap up with singles semifinals on 29-30 January and finals on 31 January-1 February, invitational doubles like this one add flair post-main events, often on outer courts or late-night sessions.[1][3]

Leading the commentary is Robbie Koenig, a South African former professional tennis player who reached the US Open doubles semifinals in 1995 partnering Piet Norval. Turning to broadcasting, Koenig has become a staple on the ATP and Grand Slam circuits, known for his insightful analysis and engaging style. His experience as a player gives him an edge in breaking down tactics, making him a favourite for world feed audiences worldwide.

Joining him is Wally Masur, an Australian tennis icon with a career spanning the 1980s and 1990s. Masur peaked at World No. 15 in singles, winning six ATP titles, and reached the Australian Open singles quarterfinals in 1990. As a doubles specialist, he claimed the 1985 Newport title and represented Australia in Davis Cup. Post-retirement, Masur has excelled in commentary for Nine Network, ESPN, and the world feed, praised for his passionate delivery and deep knowledge of home soil conditions at Melbourne Park.

Now, to the stars of the match. Lleyton Hewitt, Australia's Davis Cup hero and former World No. 1, captivated fans with his relentless energy. Hewitt won the US Open (2001) and Wimbledon (2002) singles titles, plus two Davis Cups in 1999 and 2003. At the Australian Open, he reached three semifinals and holds a record for most Australian Open wins by an Aussie male. Now captain of Australia's Davis Cup team, Hewitt's return in invitational doubles evokes memories of his prime.[1]

Teaming with Mark Philippoussis, the 'Scud', who burst onto the scene with a Wimbledon final in 2003 against Roger Federer. The Greek-Australian ace server won ATP titles across three surfaces and Davis Cups in 1999 and 2003 alongside Hewitt. Known for his booming serve topping 140mph, Philippoussis reached the Australian Open semifinals in 1998 and brings firepower to this pairing.

Opposing them are Marcos Baghdatis, the charismatic Cypriot who lit up Melbourne in 2006, reaching his maiden Australian Open final as a qualifier. Peaking at World No. 8, Baghdatis won three ATP titles and thrilled with his one-handed backhand and fighting spirit, often rallying crowds with his infectious energy.

Marat Safin, the towering Russian powerhouse, is a two-time Grand Slam champion with US Open (2000) and Australian Open (2005) titles. World No. 1 at his peak, Safin's explosive game yielded 15 ATP singles titles. His 2005 Melbourne triumph remains legendary, marked by a semifinal epic against Hewitt himself. Safin's candid personality and raw power make him a doubles wildcard.

This clash revives early 2000s rivalries, blending Australian grit with international flair. Hewitt and Philippoussis, Davis Cup mates, share national pride, while Baghdatis and Safin offer contrasting styles—Baghdatis's flair against Safin's might. Expect long rallies on Melbourne's fast hard courts, with the 00:40 UK start (around 11:40 AEDT) suiting late-night drama.[1][2]

Invitational doubles at the Australian Open aren't for ranking points but celebrate legacies, often scheduled alongside main draw finales. The 2026 edition follows men's doubles semifinals, with the main final on 31 January. Fans can stream via official apps: Sky Go (UK), ESPN app (US), Stan Sport (Aus), or AO website for world feed.[3][4][7]

To delve deeper, explore Lleyton Hewitt's Wikipedia page for his full career stats. For tournament insights, check the ATP's Australian Open 2026 overview. On broadcasting, visit Sky Sports Tennis hub for schedules.

Why tune in? Beyond nostalgia, these matches showcase enduring skills. Hewitt's return of serve remains lethal, Philippoussis's serve intimidating, Baghdatis's touch magical, and Safin's groundstrokes thunderous. Koenig and Masur will unpack strategies, sharing anecdotes from their eras—Koenig on doubles nuances, Masur on Aussie expectations.

The world feed, produced by Melbourne Park's team, offers multi-angle views, Hawk-Eye replays, and player cams, accessible globally via VPN if needed. UK fans on Sky Sports benefit from added punditry by Jim Courier or Mark Petchey, while ESPN's US coverage includes Mary Joe Fernandez. Australians on Stan Sport get local heroes like Hewitt amplified.

Masur's broadcasting career highlights his versatility; he coached promising Aussies and commentates Davis Cup, bringing authenticity. Koenig, post-playing, honed skills at WTA events, earning acclaim for balanced calls during high-stakes moments like Djokovic's epics.[3]

Historically, Australian Open invitational doubles feature retired stars: past lineups included Pat Cash and Mark Woodforde. This 2026 billing heightens excitement amid main draw stars like Alcaraz and Sinner vying for glory. Doubles proper sees seeds like Marcel Granollers/Horacio Zeballos in contention, but invitational steals the spotlight for fun.[5]

Practical viewing tips: UK time 00:40 falls mid-afternoon Melbourne (14:40 AEDT), ideal for evening play. Check order of play on ausopen.com evening prior. Streaming quality peaks on paid services; free highlights follow on YouTube.[7][8]

These players' legacies enrich the narrative. Hewitt's 2005 Davis Cup win over Safin etches rivalry; Philippoussis's Wimbledon run inspired; Baghdatis's 2006 charge underdog magic; Safin's slams pure dominance. Expect banter, big points, and standing ovations.

In a tournament with new-look finals weekend—doubles finals 31 January—invitationals cap the vibe. Koenig's smooth lead and Masur's passion ensure engaging audio, whether on TV or radio.[6]

As Australian Open 2026 cements Melbourne's status, this match reminds why tennis transcends eras. Grab popcorn, settle in at 00:40 UK, and let Hewitt/Philippoussis vs Baghdatis/Safin, via Koenig and Masur, deliver Slam magic. (Word count: 1247)