Australian Open’s official water bottles spark outrage
The Australian Open’s official choice of bottled water has baffled the public for the second year in a row.
As fans came out to watch the first day of the Melbourne tennis tournament on Monday, they found something strange about the bottled water made available by the Open organisers.
“Turns out the ‘official water of the Australian Open’ is Chinese,” reporter Rachel Baxendale posted on Twitter. “In what universe do we need to import bottled water?”
Just bought a bottle of water at the tennis. Turns out the "official water of the @AustralianOpen" is Chinese. In what universe do we need to import bottled water? pic.twitter.com/HGYDqoawRr
— Rachel Baxendale (@rachelbaxendale) January 14, 2019
The water came from the Shenzhen-based brand Ganten, which has also sponsored the International Volleyball Federation and soccer team Juventus.
Senator Derryn Hinch chimed in on the Twitter post, suggesting the lucrative nature of the sponsorship.
“In a universe where the deal was worth millions of dollars a year to Tennis Australia,” Hinch said.
Many Aussies were disappointed that the organisers did not tap an Australian brand, while others questioned the need to provide bottled water at all, given the availability of clean water fountains.
This is the Open’s second year with Ganten, after partnering with US brand Titan Fitness Water in 2016 and Aussie-made Frantelle in 2017.
In response to the same controversy last year, Tennis Australia said the Open had “a long history of partnering with international brands” given its “global” nature.
“Australian Open … attracted fans from 72 countries and was broadcast on 65 channels to more than 220 territories and 900 million households,” said the governing body.
“It is a truly global event … The Australian Open continues to expand its global reach and partnerships, which helps to grow the sport at all levels in Australia.”
Tennis Australia has not commented on the continued partnership this year.