Home-grown tennis star blasts the Australian Open over its plans to 'celebrate' January 26: 'We need more than just flags and the anthem'

Melbourne based former tennis star Sam Groth has slammed the Australian Open over its plans to 'celebrate' January 26, calling for 'more than just flags and the national anthem.'

Groth, 37, retired from the ATP circuit in 2018, before turning his attention to politics.

Now the Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, the father of two wants to see Australia's national day on full display at Melbourne Park.

'[It] would absolutely be more appropriate to have something more major than just the flags, and...singing the national anthem,' he said.

'Yes, we can acknowledge some of the flaws of our country, but give those that want to celebrate, that come on site, the opportunity to.'

It comes as Australian Open boss Craig Tiley stated the tournament will have a strong Australia Day presence on men's finals day.

Melbourne based former tennis star Sam Groth has slammed the Australian Open over its plans to 'celebrate' January 26, calling for 'more than just flags and the national anthem'

It comes as Australian Open boss Craig Tiley stated the tournament will have a strong Australia Day presence on men's finals day

Aussie tennis fans cheering on Talia Gibson in her match against Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez on January 13 at Melbourne Park

In recent years, the Australian Open has virtually removed formal recognition of January 26 amid a push to change the date of Australia Day (pictured, Aussie spectators cheering on local Chris O'Connell this year)

Aussie fans in green and gold cheering on Thanasi Kokkinakis during his five set thriller against Jack Draper

'I'm proud of the fact that we are an event that always has been and always will be inclusive, diverse and offer equal opportunity for all,' he said.

'You will see the welcoming and the recognition of the Australian of the Year, on-court green and gold, the Australian flag as well.

'We will have pre-ceremonies and special guests which we are going to announce and the Australian national anthem.

'Australia Day does this year fall on the final day of the event, and so we anticipate to have a recognition.'

Across the staging of the grand slam, Melbourne Park has dedicated other days to promote sponsors Emirates (January 14) and Kia (January 19) as well as All Abilities Day (January 21), Women's and Girls' Day (January 23).

Pride Day is scheduled for January 24.

In recent years, the Australian Open has virtually removed formal recognition of the national day amid a push to change the date of Australia Day.

'We are mindful there are differing views, and at the Australian Open we are inclusive and respectful of all,' a Tennis Australia official said.

'We acknowledge the historical significance and deep spiritual connection our First Peoples have to this land, and recognise this with a Welcome to Country on stadium screens prior to both the day and night session daily.'

Australia Day, observed each year on January 26, marks the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 when the first governor of the British colony of NSW, Arthur Phillip, hoisted the Union Jack at Sydney Cove.

But, for many Indigenous people and younger Australians, it is regarded as 'Invasion Day' or the 'Day of Mourning', with protests held in every major city each year.

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