The Australian Open aims to expand its presence in 2016, holding a free festival at Birrarung Marr, behind Federation Square in Melbourne. 
At the Open launch in Melbourne on Tuesday morning, organisers announced that retiring Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt would be awarded a wildcard entry to the tournament and the prizemoney on offer would increase by 10 per cent to $44 million.
The festival will offer free tennis for kids, a food festival and the opportunity to watch matches on the big screen.
Up-and-coming Australian player Thanasi Kokkinakis said on Tuesday it was his favourite tournament.
When asked about the behavior of Australian Nick Kyrgios, who again recieved another code violation at the Shanghai Open recently, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley made it clear he was not impressed, but said he had seen improvements.
"We all want to have player up there like Nick that we're proud of, and we'll get there."
Kokkinakis said he was not bothered by the attention paid to tennis players' behaviour on or off the court.
"People want to watch you, and I don't think they mind that stuff to be honest, even if it makes headlines ... I think it doesn't really hurt the game too much."
He said he was likely to partner with bjg hitter Sam Groth to play doubles at the Australian Open.