The gates have opened at Melbourne Park for the Australian Open, with hundreds of thousands of visitors set to watch the best tennis players on the planet compete at this year’s tournament.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos joined Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley and former Australian Open champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley, AC, MBE at Melbourne Park this morning to mark the beginning of the maiden Grand Slam of 2023.
Tennis fans have already enjoyed extra activities during the qualifying week from 9 -15 January, with crowds able to watch and partake in the Tennis Players for Peace charity match, the annual and much-loved Kids Tennis Day, and Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios playing an exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena.
Fans are in for some thrilling tennis over the next two weeks with the world’s best players in action. Off the court, the event precinct offers a wide range of free and ticketed entertainment and activities.
Forward bookings data shows strong demand for hotels in Melbourne over the next fortnight, with bookings for Saturday 21 January already at 76 per cent capacity, which will only increase in the coming week.
The Australian Open marks the start of Victoria’s packed calendar of international sporting events including the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Super Rugby’s Super Round Melbourne, Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, Bledisloe Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Last year alone, the Andrews Labor Government delivered a record year of major events with 6.9 million attendees to sporting, music, arts and cultural events right across the state.
The Labor Government invests in major events because they put our city on the global stage and drive significant visitation to Melbourne, filling hotels, restaurants, and bars and supporting local jobs.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“The Australian Open is on again and Melbourne is in the global spotlight as the world watches the best players battle it out right here.”
“The Open is a key part of what makes Victoria the sporting and major events capital of Australia, and we’ll continue to back events that boost businesses and deliver more jobs.”
As stated by Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley
“The world’s best players will be in action over the next two weeks and our team is excited to deliver a packed schedule of amazing tennis, food, entertainment and family fun for fans of all ages.
