The first Grand Slam of 2023 drew better-than-expected attendance with record prize money up for grabs.
The Australian Open reported preliminary figures surpassing the event’s previous record of 812,714 in 2020, despite schedule disruptions due to rain and a heat wave.
“We thought there would not be as quick a recovery from COVID as there has been,” tournament director Craig Tiley said.
- The Australian Open broke its single-day attendance mark with 94,854 fans on Jan. 21.
- It reached the milestone without traditional visitors from China due to border restrictions.
- Tournament organizers aim to attract 1 million fans per year.
The Australian Open generated $405.3 million in economic benefit in 2021 and 2022, per Nielsen Sports. Over the past decade, the event has made $2.71 billion for Australia’s economy.
Big Winners
This year’s Australian Open — which began the first tennis season without Serena Williams and Roger Federer since 1999 — featured a record $52.8 million prize money pool.
Aryna Sabalenka, who entered as the No. 5-ranked WTA player, won a record $2.11 million for capturing her first Grand Slam title with a victory over No. 25 Elena Rybakina, who pocketed $1.15 million.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic won his 10th Australian Open, earning $2.9 million for beating No. 4-ranked ATP player Stefano Tsitsipas, who took home $1.6 million.
