THE "Big V" was to be a grand slam to boost Victoria's tourism fortunes.
But now the state government is copping a big serve because the logo, the centrepiece of a $20 million Tourism Victoria rebranding launched at Rod Laver Arena, won't appear on the Australian Open centre court.
The logo, an inverted triangle with the word "Victoria" imposed over it, was launched at the arena in August last year by Premier Daniel Andrews.
Mr Andrews said the logo, criticised for appearing more like a promotion for Tasmania than Victoria, would replace a hotchpotch of conflicting brands.
But when tennis fans around the world watch the Australian Open from January 18, they will see the word "Melbourne" printed on the court surface.
The reason for the Big V's absence is unclear.
A Victorian government spokeswoman told AAP the logo does not conform to safety guidelines for the surface.
An Australian Open spokeswoman said suggestions the new logo would replace the Melbourne logo were wrong.
Acting Victorian sports minister Lily D'Ambrosio said it was "a safety issue".
But she denied the logo in limbo was a serious stuff-up.
"The fact is, it doesn't have to be on the court to actually have an effect," she told reporters on Thursday.
The logo and iconic images of Victoria would be visible during telecasts on flashed on large LED screens lining the court and on signs throughout Rod Laver Arena and the Melbourne Park complex," she said.
"There will be absolutely no doubt that the branding for the state and the city will be there for everyone to see and enjoy, and bringing about economic benefits to this great state."
Opposition spokesman John Pesutto slammed the government for not using the logo, describing it as a waste of taxpayers' money.
"Daniel Andrews has thrown away $20 million on a logo he can't use on the very spot he launched it back in August," Mr Pesutto told reporters.
"He ended up serving a massive double fault on Victorians."
AAP