Bottled water controversy at Australian Open

World
Europe

A controversy is bubbling at this year’s Australian Open Tennis Tournament due to the bottled water being sold at the event.

Some Australian media outlets are questioning the choice of Chinese brand Ganten as an official sponsor, saying the Australian Open should be selling Australian water. That’s left some local fans questioning the decision.

“That’s absolutely nuts, that’s crazy. Why wouldn’t they use Australian water?” said one local fan.

Ganten bottle water. /Baidu.Photo

The Australian Open said Ganten is a premium brand that is associated with other major tennis and sporting events.

For example, its name is prominently displayed on the jerseys of Italian professional football club Juventus.

University of Sydney Technology associate professor Francois Carrillat said the practice of foreign sponsorship in sports is not only commonplace, it’s essential.

“You couldn’t imagine a world of sports without foreign sponsorship, it simply wouldn’t happen,” he said.

One thing that hasn’t received a lot of attention at this year’s Australian Open is the name of Chinese electronics maker Hisense, which sits atop a Melbourne arena.

In fact, its official sponsorship agreement has expired but the name remains for now.

Hisense Arena, Melbourne. /CGTN Photo

So why the ripples surrounding Ganten’s sponsorship?

Not all critics could come up with a local alternative to Ganten and many didn't seem all that fazed about the decision.

“As long as it is pure, as long as it is water. Yeah, no problem, not a problem,” said one fan.

While Ganten’s appearance in Melbourne has raised some media eyebrows, including one Australian news report which called Ganten an odd choice, Carrillat said that having the backing of a major international event for any overseas sponsor is usually good for business back home.