ABC Bullion and W.J. Sanders Complete Iconic Pure Silver Trophies for Australian Open 2026

W.J. Sanders, a sister company of ABC Bullion, has completed the full suite of Australian Open 2026 trophies, including the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup. Handcrafted from Australian ABC Bullion silver by W.J. Sanders’ work masters in Sydney, the iconic trophies will continue their legacy as the ultimate prizes for the champions of Australia’s premier tennis event.

As the official trophy manufacturer and partner of the AO, ABC Bullion worked closely with the W.J. Sanders workshop to create the prestigious trophies—exact replicas of the perpetual trophies held by Tennis Australia—which will be presented to the victors of the AO Men’s and Women’s Singles finals. Together, the companies also produced the Doubles, Wheelchair, Junior Girls and Boys and AO Legends’ Cup trophies, as well as runners-up trophies and commemorative plates for finals umpires. The AO trophy suite in its entirety numbers some 150 trophies, handcrafted over more than 1000 hours across several months.

Made from 100% Australian silver, the pieces celebrate not only feats of sporting excellence but also of Australian craftsmanship and resources. As part of ABC Bullion’s commitment to creating the world’s most Considerate Precious Metals, the Australian silver was ethically sourced, before being refined by ABC Refinery—ensuring a transparent and responsible local supply chain. W.J. Sanders, known for its bespoke metalwork, crafted each piece in its Marrickville workshop, using specialist techniques honed over generations.

“ABC Bullion’s partnership with the Australian Open has for over a decade proudly brought together the worlds of sport and artistry, through our leading, sustainable craftsmanship,” said Andrew Cochineas, CEO of Pallion.

 “This ongoing collaboration represents a union of the finest Australian resources, artisanal skills and environmental responsibility—ensuring the full suite of Australian Open trophies remain symbols of national achievement, on a global stage. ABC Bullion and W.J. Sanders are proud to stand behind some of the country’s most revered symbols of sporting excellence.”

Named for Sir Norman Brookes, the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup is awarded to the AO Men’s Singles champion and was first presented in 1934. Its design was inspired by the Warwick Vase, a large Roman marble vase excavated from the ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s villa near Rome in Italy. The trophy features intricate classical motifs—showcasing lively Bacchic figures, grapevines and acanthus leaves—hand-perfected by the W.J. Sanders trophy masters to further enhance the associated symbolism of endurance and victory.

The Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup—presented to the AO Women’s Singles champion—was first awarded in 1934. While details about its design are limited, the trophy features distinctive handles and a lid, handcrafted by W.J. Sanders to embody traditional trophy aesthetics. The cup, affectionately called ‘Daphne’, honours Daphne Akhurst, the famed Australian tennis player who won five Australian singles titles and nine Australian doubles titles between 1924 and 1931.

Led by General Manager Darren May, the team of W.J. Sanders silversmiths devote over 1050 hours each year to create the AO trophy suite using time-honoured smithing skills including spinning, silversmithing, chasing, hand engraving and polishing.

“These trophies reflect the enduring legacy of W.J. Sanders,” says May. “Drawing on more than a century of metal smithing expertise, our team is proud to create symbols of excellence that continue the storied history of the Australian Open—and uphold the exacting standards that come with this legacy.

“They are a celebration of Australia itself—crafted from locally sourced precious metals and shaped by local artisans practising skills that are rarer than ever. Each trophy honours the champions crowned in Melbourne and represents a project that inspires our entire team. It’s a privilege to contribute to both the nation and the sport of tennis with work we’re immensely proud of.”

Australian Open 2026 at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Victoria, runs from 12 January to 1 February and is the first of the four tennis Grand Slam tournaments. For more information, visit ausopen.com.

ABC Bullion, W.J. Sanders and ABC Refinery are all Pallion companies.