In one of the most thrilling finals in recent history, Jannik Sinner staged an incredible comeback from two sets down to win the 2024 Australian Open. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka delivered a flawless performance, defending her title without dropping a single set.
The 2024 final also marked the beginning of a new era in tennis, as it was the first Australian Open final in nearly two decades without a member of the sport’s legendary “Big Three”, moments you can relive in fully immersive VR on Xtadium, experiencing the drama and intensity as if you were sitting courtside in Rod Laver Arena.
What You Can Watch: Australian Open in VR
Xtadium currently offers Immersive Highlights (HL) from three editions of the Australian Open:
- 2019
- 2021
- 2024
These aren’t standard highlight clips. Instead, they’re captured in 360-degree immersive video, placing you virtually inside Rod Laver Arena, the main stage of the tournament.
That means you can:
- Look around the stadium freely
- Watch players from unique courtside angles
- Feel the atmosphere of the crowd in real time
For American viewers who usually watch tennis on flat screens via networks, this is a completely different level of engagement.
Step-by-Step: How to Watch the Australian Open in VR
Getting started with Xtadium is simple, even if you’re new to VR.
Get a Compatible VR Headset
First, you’ll need a Meta headset such as the Meta Quest 2, 3 or Pro. These devices are standalone, meaning you don’t need a PC or console to run them.
Download Xtadium
Head to the Meta app store and install the Xtadium app. It’s designed specifically for immersive sports viewing and is optimized for performance and ease of use.
Open Xtadium, sign up or log in, and you’ll land in a virtual sports hub where different events and content are available.
Navigate to Tennis Content
Inside the app, browse to the tennis section and select the Australian Open.
You’ll find immersive highlight packages from the 2019, 2021, and 2024 tournaments.
Once you select a highlight, you’ll be placed inside a virtual stadium environment. From there, you can:
- Switch viewing angles
- Look around freely in 360°
- Focus on specific moments of play
Sit back (or stand up and move around) and experience tennis like never before. You’re no longer just watching, you’re inside the event.
Why Watch the Australian Open in VR?
Watching tennis in VR isn’t just a novelty, it fundamentally changes how you experience the sport.
Courtside Access Without Travel
With Xtadium, you get front-row access instantly, without leaving your home.
You’re not watching from a distant camera, you’re placed right near the action.
With Xtadium’s immersive highlights, you can:
- Watch matches anytime
- Relive key moments on your schedule
- Avoid staying up all night
It’s a flexible way to stay connected to global tennis without disrupting your routine.
360° Immersion Changes Everything
Traditional broadcasts limit you to the director’s camera angles.
In VR, you control your perspective.
Want to:
- Watch a serve from behind the baseline?
- Turn around and see the crowd react?
- Follow the ball naturally with your head movement?
You can do all of that in Xtadium.
This level of immersion makes you feel like you’re physically present in Rod Laver Arena. Compared to watching on TV, VR creates a stronger emotional connection to the match.
More Than Tennis: A Full Sports Hub
While the Australian Open is a major draw, Xtadium is much more than a tennis app.
You can also explore:
- 🥊 UFC events
- ⚽ Matches featuring Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
- 📺 Interactive viewing rooms from DAZN and ESPN
This makes Xtadium a multi-sport VR destination for American fans who want variety.
Social Viewing in Virtual Spaces
One of the most exciting features of VR is the ability to watch sports with others, even if you’re miles apart.
Xtadium enables:
- Virtual watch parties
- Shared viewing environments
- Real-time reactions with friends
It’s like going to a sports bar, except it’s fully digital and customizable.
