Behind the mic: Shane McInnes’ journey covering the Australian Open

For 3AW Sport’s Shane McInnes, January in Melbourne means one thing – the Australian Open (AO). A veteran presenter and commentator, Shane has been part of Nine since 2008 and has spent 17 summers capturing the energy, drama, and stories behind the AO.  

Bringing the AO to life for listeners

Shane’s role at 3AW is to deliver more than just tennis scores. “The AO is so much more than a tennis tournament,” Shane explains. “It’s an all encompassing event that brings together politics, celebrity, culture and of course sport. My job is to bring the breaking news, colour and excitement of the AO to our audience during the two weeks of the tournament. ”

This year, Shane’s responsibilities have grown to include hosting 3AW Afternoons live from Melbourne Park during the first week of the tournament. “The role has evolved over the years—from a reporter, to commentating the big matches, and now hosting. But at its core, it’s always about making our listeners feel like they’re part of the event,” he says.

The impact of AO coverage

The AO is a cornerstone of Melbourne’s summer, and 3AW’s coverage cements its connection to the community. “3AW is Melbourne, and there’s no bigger Melbourne event than the AO. Our presence at the tournament puts 3AW at the centre of the city’s largest annual event,” Shane shares.

Shane and his team aim to provide more than just updates on matches. “We showcase the experience of the AO and capture the news stories that emanate from the tournament.”

Professional growth on Tennis’ grand stage

High-profile events like the AO are more than a professional highlight—they’re also an opportunity for growth. For Shane, the tournament has been a chance to hone new skills, from adopting the latest broadcast technologies to building a global network of media professionals.

“It’s a great networking opportunity. Media executives, producers, and reporters from all over the world converge on Melbourne, and it’s fascinating to see how they tell their stories. It’s helped me learn new means by which to work more effectively and efficiently- skills I’ve then used in covering other major events such as the Super Bowl and Olympic Games.” 

His experiences at the AO have also opened doors within Nine, leading to roles with programs like the Today Show and Weekend Today.  “It’s one of the great things about Nine, being able to network with colleagues in other parts of the business… exchange stories and experiences – and that in itself can lead to new opportunities as well.”

Most memorable AO moment

After nearly two decades at the AO, Shane has no shortage of memories. But one night stands out: the 2012 men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

“It was an epic match—five sets, five hours and 53 minutes,” Shane recalls. “We went live expecting to wrap up by 11 PM, but we were still on air at 1:37 AM. It was one of the most exhilarating broadcasts I’ve been part of, but also one of the most draining as we called each point of the longest final in Grand Slam history”.

The magic behind the mic

What listeners might not realise is the level of detail and preparation required for seamless coverage. “The AO provides background noise for every court, so we can easily fade up the sound on a particular which then immerses the listener in the experience.” Shane explains.

Another challenge? Pronunciation. “Getting player names right is essential—not just for credibility but out of respect for the players and their fans,” Shane notes. “I start checking pronunciations of names two weeks before the tournament to make sure I’m ready. You’d be surprised how frequently the likes of Shapovalov, Pavlyuchenkova, Rybakina and Auger-Aliassime get mispronounced!”

Why the AO is more than a job

For Shane, covering the AO is a passion. “It’s the center of the sporting world for two weeks. I get to watch the best players, talk about it on air, and share the experience with listeners. It’s a pretty good gig.”

As Shane gears up for his 17th Australian Open, he reflects on what keeps him coming back year after year. “It’s always great catching up with international correspondents who I’ve gotten to know over the years.  You see each other for two weeks every 12 months, but there’s a camaraderie there to have a chat, catch up for dinner and lean on each other for information.”