As the Australian Open nears its goal of welcoming 1 million spectators, the tournament is set for its traditional peak on Saturday, expected to draw close to 100,000 fans to Melbourne Park.
The surge in attendance is attributed to a rebound in international tourism, which has boosted crowd numbers significantly.
The first Saturday of the tournament typically marks its busiest day, and this year’s forecast is promising.
“The weather looks perfect tomorrow and we look forward to welcoming lots of fans to another incredible day,” a Tennis Australia spokesperson said.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a high of 27 degrees Celsius with minimal chance of rain, ensuring ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Last year’s record for a single day was set on the first Saturday, with 94,854 spectators witnessing matches featuring stars like Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic.
Melbourne Park gears up for a record-breaking Saturday with near-perfect weather and packed stands.This year’s lineup includes major attractions such as Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev, even though no Australians are competing in singles on this day.
With a total attendance of 839,192 over the two weeks last year, Tennis Australia is optimistic about surpassing the 1 million mark, especially considering the 90,000 fans who attended the qualifying rounds.
The new 15-day format and the return of international travelers have contributed to this year’s impressive turnout.
Organizers have also introduced new features to enhance the fan experience, including a “party court” and more flexible seating arrangements.
Despite some complaints from players about the new court, the changes have generally been well-received by the audience. “The majority of feedback from fans has been that they love these changes,” Tennis Australia noted.
As the Australian Open continues, the focus remains on delivering an exceptional experience rather than just setting records, with organizers confident that the event’s appeal will keep growing.