Australian Open 2012 live stream

When ARIA winners the Rogue Traders step onto the Heineken Live Stage prior to the men’s final on Sunday it will be a significant moment for the band’s new lead singer Mindi Jackson.
 
Sydney-sider Jackson first attended the Open last year while in Melbourne auditioning for the band; she now finds herself taking centre stage before the first Grand Slam men's final of the year.

“I was living in Sydney at the time and I was in Melbourne auditioning for the Rogue Traders, so I thought I’d come and watch the tennis for a couple of days,” Jackson explained.

“I remember watching the entertainment between the matches and I said to myself ‘next year I’m going to be in the Rouge Traders and I’m going to perform here at the tennis’."

Jackson is now living that dream following her announcement as replacement for Natalie Bassingthwaighte in November 2009 and it has been a whirlwind entry into the award-winning band who are on the eve of releasing their fourth album.

Jackson brings her own talents to the band’s make-up and sounds as effortless tearing through the new numbers, many of which she co-wrote with James Ash, as she does wrapping her vocal interpretation around Rogues classics such as ‘Voodoo Child’ and ‘Don’t You Wanna Feel’.

Following her Australian Open experience in 2009 she is now an avid tennis fan and player, but admits her busy schedule with the band has put her tennis playing aspirations on the back seat.
 
“I became quite obsessed with tennis after I came here to watch last year and I spent a couple of months trying to play...and get good at it,” Jackson said.

"Unfortunately the Rogue Traders kind of took over so I didn’t get much of a chance to play.
“I don’t have anyone to play with here in Melbourne, so maybe I need to get the rest of the band playing!”

Rogue Trader’s keyboard artist and band stalwart James Ash is also excited about performing at the tennis and ventured a tip for who will be playing in the final.
 
“I love tennis and as a Brit-turned-Aussie I’m kind of torn with who I want in the [men’s] final,” Ash said prior to Sunday’s grand final performance.

“I have to admit that I’d really like to see Andy Murray in the final – and maybe me and Mindi in the mixed doubles,” Ash said.

The Rogue Traders will play on the Heineken Live Stage located on the new Grand Slam Oval from 5.30-7pm, which is open to all ground pass and Rod Laver Arena ticket holders.