Australian Open 2026: Crowd chaos on opening day as record numbers flock to Melbourne Park
(Courtesy : @AustralianOpen/Twitter)
The first week of qualifying at Australian Open 2026 saw nearly 300,000 fans, a 17% increase over last season.
Even before the start of Day 1 of the Australian Open 2026, Melbourne Park saw drama, not just with tennis, but with chaos among fans.
Early in the morning, on Monday, the organizers were surprised as a huge crowd came to see the opening match. Around 100,763 spectators descended on Melbourne Park. Just for the opening daytime session alone 73,235 fans attended.
As reported by the news.com.au ground pass tickets, priced at $65, were sold out quickly early on Sunday. Many of the fans standing in long queues for hours were then told that only premium stadium seats tickets were available.
The unexpected crowd numbers prompted organizers to deploy armed police patrolling both inside and outside the arenas to ensure safety.
The Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley told Channel 9, “There was no question that we had more people coming on the grounds than we even expected.”
Also Read: Top five title favourites in men’s singles at Australian Open 2026
The craze at Melbourne Park is going much like US Open, where attendance often pushes facilities to the limit. The Australian Open 2026 qualifying rounds have also drawn huge numbers this year, nearly 300,000 fans over the first week, a 17% increase compared to the last season.
However, with the growing popularity, pains are coming too. Fans have voiced complaints about long waits, limited seating, and rising ticket prices. But despite the chaos, the excitement around the tournament remains undeniable.
And why not? this year, a lot is at stake on the court as well at Australian Open 2026.
In men’s singles, the World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is aiming to complete his Career Grand Slam, World No. 2 Jannik Sinner is looking to defend his title, and the Serbian legend Novak Djokovic is chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka will be hoping to regain her title, Iga Swiatek is aiming to add her first Australian Open to her resume, and Madison Keys will be fighting to defend her crown.
The tournament started on Sunday, 18 January and will run till Sunday, 1 February at Melbourne Park, with the women’s singles final on 31 January and the men’s singles final on 1 February.
How many fans attended Day 1 of Australian Open 2026?
Around 100,763 spectators descended on Melbourne Park for Day 1.
What was the ticket issue for the opening session at Australian Open 2026?
Yes, $65 ground pass tickets sold out early, and many fans were told only premium stadium tickets were available.
How does the crowd turnout compare to previous years?
The first week of qualifying saw nearly 300,000 fans, a 17% increase over last season.
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Uzma Fatima is a passionate sports journalist who believes every match has a story waiting to be told. Whether it's the grace of Olympic champions, the grit of tennis and badminton battles, or the drama of cricket’s highs and heartbreaks — she loves capturing the emotion behind the action. Off the field, she’s a Formula 1 enthusiast who never misses a race weekend.