- Chinese brand Ganten the ‘official water’ of the Aussie tennis tournament
- Logo around the court has social media users blowing up about the decision
- Tennis Australia says brand associated with other major tennis events
- Iconic Aussie brands such as Vegemite used as well, say organisers
It’s labelled as the ‘official water’ of the Australian Open – but it’s from China.
People have taken to social media to express outrage over the decision to sell and give out ‘unpatriotic’ Ganten water.
The logo is visible on the court next to players, on umpires chairs and the lids have been labelled as the competition’s official H2O brand.
Social media users are expressing outrage over the use of Chinese company Ganten as the Australian Open’s official water. Pictured here with Rafael Nadal
People have taken to Twitter saying an Australian water brand should have been chosen
A Facebook user shared this photo asking why the Chinese water was used
A woman posted a photo of the water to a group on Facebook asking why such a strange move was made, while others questioned what is wrong with Australian water and said the decision was ‘completely wrong’.
Another woman took to Twitter saying: ‘Hey @AustralianOpen organisers … heard of something called Mount Franklin water? Appalling to be supporting Chinese Ganten water at this event’.
In a statement to the Daily Telegraph, Tennis Australia said the Australian Open was a global event that had ‘a long history of partnering with international brands’.
‘Ganten water is a premium brand that is associated with other major tennis and sporting events, including Juventus FC,’ the statement said.
‘The Australian Open continues to expand its global reach and partnerships, which helps to grow the sport at all levels in Australia.’
The statement highlighted the Open also partnered with iconic Australian brands such as Jacobs Creek, Coopers, Vegemite and Country Road.
Tennis Australia has defended the decision, saying the brand is used at other sporting events. Ganten logo pictured here next to the US’s Coco Vandeweghe