The Australian Open will impose daily limits on its popular low-cost ground passes for the first time in tournament history due to crowds and long queues at parts of the 2026 edition in Melbourne. Organizer 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 continues to rise for the season’s first Grand Slam.

The decision comes after the Australian Open broke attendance records this year, attracting 1,368,043 spectators over its three-week event and cementing its position as the most attended Grand Slam in tennis. The figure represents a sharp increase compared to the 1,218,831 fans attending the 2025 edition and the 1,110,657 spectators in 2024.

Also read: Tennis body makes one-time eligibility test mandatory for female players

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

“This decision reflects the growing popularity of AO and will help ensure fans can make the most of everything the complex has to offer,” Tennis Australia said in a statement.

Record crowds at Melbourne park highlight challenges

The need for tighter controls became clear during the early days of the 2026 tournament, when thousands of spectators became frustrated with long queues and confusion over ticket sales. Reuters reported that a record 73,235 people entered Melbourne Park for the first day’s session alone, surpassing the previous mark of 68,883 set in 2019.

Crowd problems also affected access to many outdoor courts, with fans complaining of packed walkways and difficulties securing seats for marquee matches. The problems highlighted the challenge facing organizers as the tournament’s popularity continues to grow in Australia and internationally.

The 2026 Australian Open concluded with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz winning the men’s singles title and Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina winning 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 an improved fan experience at Melbourne Park.

– ends