Sydney Silversmiths Craft Trophies for 2026 Australian Open

The craftsmanship behind the trophies awarded at the Australian Open is a meticulous process led by Sydney silversmith Paul Smith and his team at W.J. Sanders. As the tournament approaches, the artisans are hard at work creating trophies that embody both tradition and elegance. This dedication to detail ensures that the champions of the tournament not only receive accolades but also a piece of art to commemorate their achievements.

Since 1934, the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup has been awarded to the women’s singles champion, and while the original trophy remains in Australia, W.J. Sanders produces a precise replica for the winner to take home. Smith noted, “It’s not technically an easy trophy to make,” emphasizing the challenge of maintaining accuracy in its simple yet elegant design.

Crafting Trophies with Tradition

A team of ten skilled artisans at W.J. Sanders is currently focused on producing a total of 150 trophies for the 2026 Australian Open. This includes the renowned Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, presented to the men’s champion at Melbourne Park. According to Darren May, General Manager of W.J. Sanders, the intricate work on these trophies commenced well before the 2025 Grand Slam and will culminate with the presentation on January 18 to February 1, 2026.

“When we get to that final, men’s and women’s and doubles final, and they hold that trophy up, we all remember the time it took us to create those trophies and the craftsmanship that went into it,” May stated. This sentiment reflects the pride and dedication that the team puts into their work, ensuring that each trophy tells a story of skill and artistry.

The major trophies, including the men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, are handcrafted from approximately 18 kg of silver, with a collective value exceeding A$860,000 (approximately $573,534). The traditional methods used in crafting these trophies are increasingly rare, and the craft is listed as “endangered” on Britain’s Heritage Crafts Red List. Despite this, May affirms his commitment to maintaining these artisanal techniques.

“The human hand cannot be reproduced by a machine,” he remarked, highlighting the irreplaceable value of handcrafted artistry in an age of mass production.

Looking Ahead to the Tournament

Earlier this year, Jannik Sinner lifted the Norman Brookes trophy, while Aryna Sabalenka claimed the Daphne Akhurst. Both athletes are expected to return to Melbourne with hopes of securing another title and yet another piece of W.J. Sanders craftsmanship to add to their collections.

As the countdown to the Australian Open continues, the intricate work of the silversmiths serves as a reminder of the rich tradition and artistry that accompany the sport. The trophies are not merely awards; they represent the culmination of years of dedication, skill, and the spirit of competition that defines tennis.

With the tournament fast approaching, the focus remains on both the players and the skilled artisans behind the scenes, whose efforts will shine as brightly as the champions themselves.