Summer of Tennis: 5 minutes with Jordan Tunbridge

Name: Jordan Tunbridge

Role: Sports Reporter at 3AW

Year you started at Nine: I started at Radio 3AW in 2014

If you could sum up the Australian Open in one word, what would it be? Epic

How does your role make a difference for our audiences/listeners/readers/customers and other stakeholders?

As a sports reporter covering the Australian Open, I provide regular updates for programs, produce reports for our news service, create engaging digital content, and attend press conferences with players. My focus is on bringing the tournament to life, capturing the colour, energy, and atmosphere so listeners across Australia feel like they’re right there in the action.

What is your favourite part about working on the Australian Open? 

My favourite part about working on the Australian Open is following the various storylines, covering the high-stakes matches, and sharing updates with listeners in real time. There’s so much energy, from the tension on court to the excitement of the crowd and the moments behind the scenes with players and I love bringing all of that colour and atmosphere to life so people across Australia feel like they’re part of the action.

How does working on a high-profile event like this help you grow professionally? Have you developed any new skills from working on the AO?

Working on a high-profile event like the Australian Open has been invaluable for my professional growth. It’s given me the chance to interact with programs more frequently, helping me become a more natural and confident presenter on-air. I’ve covered the tournament in some capacity every year since I started at 3AW, which has built my profile as a trusted voice in tennis and opened doors to cover events abroad, I’ve reported from Wimbledon twice and MC’d tennis events as a result. Beyond the skills and opportunities, it’s also incredibly satisfying and exciting. It’s genuinely my favourite fortnight of work each year.

Can you describe a memorable or challenging moment in your role during the Australian Open?

Some of my most memorable moments at the Australian Open have been incredible matches with historic significance. Covering Ash Barty’s title win, becoming the first Australian since 1978 to claim a singles title, was unforgettable. Rafa Nadal’s 2022 final, where he came back from two sets down to win his 21st Grand Slam, was another highlight. And I’ll never forget Andy Murray’s marathon match against Thanasi Kokkinakis, which finished at 4am. I was providing updates right until the very end! Beyond the iconic matches, the role is always a great challenge, especially filing reports under tight deadlines, but that pressure is also part of what makes covering the AO so exciting.

Tell us something the audience may not know about the coverage/preparation for the AO? 

Behind the scenes, there’s a huge amount of coordination, liaising with programs, filing reports under tight deadlines, and getting digital content out across multiple platforms. Tennis Australia also looks after journalists exceptionally well: the food court, with daily meal allowances, is world-class, and the team is always on hand to provide stats and context on matches. It’s fast-paced, but all that preparation and support is what lets us bring listeners right into the heart of the action.