Oh, the Happy Slam is now even happier. The Australian Open is bound to get even more thrilling now that Uber Eats is back to change the way the sports festivities happen.
Yes, Uber Eats is back in the Australian Open spotlight through famous tennis legend, star, and commentator Jim Courier. Yes, that’s the name. But, he’s delivering food, not just expert commentary.
Fifty-five-year-old Courier is a former professional tennis player, famous for winning four Grand Slam singles titles – two French Opens, two Australian Opens – in the early 1990s, known for his powerful baseline game and relentless intensity. By the way, he also became the youngest man to reach the finals of all four majors and was a dominant force, achieving the prestigious ranking in 1992. Today, he’s a well-respected tennis commentator and Hall of Famer.
“The tennis is such a special time every summer - it’s where we get to have a bit of fun with the brand and connect with fans outside of the court. Reuniting Jim, Todd, and Pat allowed us to build on the equity of previous years while pushing the ‘Get Almost Almost Anything’ platform forward in a way that feels entertaining, distinctive, and unmistakably Uber Eats,” Nicole Bardsley, head of marketing for Uber and Uber Eats ANZ, told Ridesharing Forum.
This is the seventh installment of Uber Eats’ January tennis campaign, and is basically featuring Courier “living up to his name,” by taking the role of a, well, courier amidst the summer sporting frenzy currently happening now in Melbourne.
It’s part of the successful “Get Almost Almost Anything” campaign of the food delivery platform. Wherein, the ad opens with a remarkable cameo from Channel Nine presenter and former tennis great Todd Woodbridge, who playfully suggests that Courier is holding the destiny to become, well, a courier long before.
From there, the ad welcomes the viewers to an action-packed delivery mission, wherein Courier is seen navigating Melbourne’s streets with the same intensity, precision, and fervor just like in this tennis career.
What follows is a comedic act wherein Courier draws out his trademark grit, tactical nous, and dry humor to keep pace with his brand-fresh life as a delivery staff, proving he can deliver under pressure.
“Working with Uber Eats was a chance to step into a world that moves just as fast as the one I competed in for years,” Courier stated. “There’s a rhythm to delivery work - reading the streets, timing your moves, staying calm when things get messy. It’s different pressure, but it’s pressure all the same.”
Also appearing in the ad is Pat Rafter, showcasing his humor and everything that would help elevate the brand in the Australian market. Rafter is a former Australian tennis player.
“It’s hard to believe it took us this long to connect one of the most recognisable names in tennis with what we do every day. There really is something in a name. This campaign is playful and a little cheeky, while still showing fans that Uber Eats is about far more than meals,” Rebecca Macciolli, marketing manager for Uber and Uber Eats ANZ, added.
Known as the Happy Slam, the Australian Open is the first of the four annual tennis Grand Slams, held in Melbourne, Australia, in January, featuring top professionals in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Watch the clip here.