Want cheap Australian Open tickets? You may need to act faster in 2027

The Australian Open will introduce daily limits on its popular cheap clay courts for the first time in tournament history after parts of the 2026 edition in Melbourne were overshadowed by overcrowded and long queues. Organizers Tennis Australia announced on Tuesday that the allocation of A$49 ($34) tickets will be limited during the opening week of the 2027 tournament as demand for the first Grand Slam of the season continues to rise.

The decision comes after this year’s Australian Open broke attendance records, attracting 1,368,043 spectators over the three-week program and cementing its status as the most attended Grand Slam in tennis. This number marked a sharp increase from the 1,218,831 fans who attended the 2025 edition and the 1,110,657 spectators in 2024.

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Ground passes, which allow fans to move freely around Melbourne Park and watch matches on the away pitches, have long been considered the best-value ticket to the tournament. Holders also have access to popular venues such as the John Cain Arena, which has earned the nickname “The People’s Court” due to its accessibility to fans buying the cheapest tickets.

“This decision reflects the growing popularity of the AO and will help ensure fans can make the most of what is on offer across the precinct,” Tennis Australia said in a statement.

RECORD CROWDS STAND CHALLENGES AT MELBOURNE PARK

The need for tighter control was highlighted during the opening days of the 2026 tournament, when thousands of spectators were left frustrated by long queues and confusion over ticket sales. Reuters reported that a record 73,235 people entered Melbourne Park on the first day alone, surpassing the previous mark of 68,883 set in 2019.

Overcrowding issues also affected access to several outdoor courts, with fans complaining of overcrowded sidewalks and difficulty securing seats for games in the stands. The problems highlighted the challenge organizers face as the tournament continues to grow in popularity both in Australia and internationally.

The 2026 Australian Open ended with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz winning the men’s singles and Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina lifting the women’s crown. With demand expected to be even stronger next year, Tennis Australia hopes the ticket cap will strike a balance between affordability and a better experience for fans at Melbourne Park.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

Jul 21, 2026 1:08 PM IST