Leagues

Australian Open Ratings Down 11%, Despite Keys’s Title

The men’s and women’s coverage of the Australian Open declined by double-digit percentages compared to each of the last two years.

By Colin Salao

Jan 30, 2025 | 05:50 pm

Jan 25, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Madison Keys celebrates with the Australian Open title during the prize presentation of the women's single at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

Mike Frey-Imagn Images

The first tennis Grand Slam of the season delivered disappointing viewership results—though there was a small bright spot.

The 2025 Australian Open averaged 235,000 viewers on ESPN and ESPN2, down 11% from last year and 16% compared to 2023. The later rounds—from the quarterfinals to the championship—saw even steeper declines, averaging 295,000 viewers, down 20% versus last year.

There was some positive news, as the women’s final Saturday, which saw American Madison Keys upset two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka, drew 452,000 viewers on ESPN, up 34% year-over-year and a three-year viewership high for the event. The last time an American made the final was in 2021 when Danielle Collins lost to local favorite Ash Barty, and it averaged 482,000 viewers.

The men’s final Sunday averaged 465,000 viewers, down 12% compared to last year, as Jannik Sinner won his second consecutive Australian Open by defeating Alexander Zverev in straight sets. Last year, Sinner completed a two-set comeback to defeat Daniil Medvedev in five.

Due to the time difference between the U.S. and Melbourne, both championship matches aired at 3:30 a.m. ET.

Longer US Open Format

The USTA announced Wednesday via email to fans subscribed to ticket information for the US Open that it will expand its format by one day this year, from 14 to 15 days. The additional day puts it in line with the Australian Open—which made the change last year—and the French Open, which made the addition in 2006. Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam that remains a 14-day affair.

The extra day provides additional revenue for the events through ticket sales, which will help fulfill the rising purses for the Grand Slams that have perennially hit record highs. The 2025 Australian Open brought in 1.2 million fans in 15 days, an attendance record.

Tennis commentator and former pro player Patrick McEnroe called the added day a “money grab” from organizers last year. But the additional day does provide a service for fans and players, especially at the US Open, where fans have complained about overcrowding and players have called for improvements in match scheduling.