Sports

Australian Open sets new attendance record

Featured Image: Steve Collis/CC BY 2.0 

This year’s Australian Open, which concluded yesterday (Sunday), became the most attended edition of the tennis event in its 120-year history as it drew a total of 1.2 million fans.

Italy’s Jannik Sinner beat German Alexander Zverev in yesterday’s men’s final to win the Australian Open for the second year running while the United States’ Madison Keys prevailed against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the women’s decider the day before.

The influx of visitors resulted in a boom for accommodation across host city Melbourne as 93% of all hotel rooms were booked on the grand slam’s midway point on January 18.

“This year’s Australian Open has broken records with over a million tennis fans flocking to Melbourne Park to witness the world’s best tennis players, and many millions more watching at home as we showcase Victoria to the world,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos.

“We’re the major events capital of Australia because of world class events like the Australian Open, they bring thousands of visitors to Melbourne, filling hotels and boosting businesses across the state.”

Last year’s Australian Open generated more than A$533m (£268.8m/$335.8m/€319.5m) but this year’s event is set to top that figure.

Over the past decade, the Open has made more than A$3.14bn for the Victorian economy.

“Our team is proud to have delivered another record-breaking Australian Open, with more than a million fans once again enjoying world-class tennis and the crowning of two exceptional champions,” said Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley.

“The AO continues to bring people together in a celebration of sport, food, family fun and entertainment.”