Victoria has aced another Australian Open, with this year's tournament smashing attendance records, boosting local businesses, supporting jobs and driving the economy.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos celebrated another unforgettable three weeks of tennis and entertainment at the Australian Open, during which 1.368 million fans packed Melbourne Park, easily surpassing last year's record of 1.2 million people.
Victorians have been able to watch the best players in their own backyard with the Labor Government delivering almost 5,000 extra tram services, around 400 extra train services and 150 special bus services across the tournament, along with free public transport on weekends, making it easier for fans to get to and from the event.
The Australian Open has become the biggest economic generator in Australian sport, creating more than 2,300 full-time equivalent jobs and contributing over $565.8 million to Victoria's economy each year. It has generated $3.46 billion for the Victorian economy over the past decade.
Visitors from interstate and overseas have boosted hotels, restaurants and local businesses. Melbourne is on track to have the highest number of room nights sold on record for January, breaking the previous record set last year.
The biggest Opening Week ever set the tone across the AO, with more than 217,000 tennis fans enjoying qualifying action. The week was highlighted by a host of fun charity events, AO Live and the first ever Australian Open Opening Ceremony featuring tennis titan Roger Federer.
Day 5 of the main draw on Thursday 22 January set a new landmark for a single day attendance with 103,956 spectators enjoying all the action.
Major events drive our record-breaking visitor economy, which supports more than 288,000 jobs in Victoria.
Victoria is the only place on the planet with a Grand Slam, Grand Prix, NFL in season games, the Boxing Day Test and the AFL Grand Final, the race that stops the nation, gigs across the state and world-class major events all year round.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"This is another shining example of why we are the events capital of Australia.
"The 2026 Australian Open has been a great success, smashing attendance records, filling hotels, and shining the international spotlight on our city and state.
"It kickstarts a jampacked pipeline of major events, which supports our visitor economy and more than 288,000 Victorian jobs."
