Tennis fans from around the world have descended on Melbourne for the 2026 Australian Open in a massive win for hotels, pubs, bars and restaurants in Victoria.

World number six Alex de Minaur will lead the green and gold charge again this year, with a packed schedule of Aussies qualifying across the two main draws – 11 men and 10 women – the most Australians to have qualified for the event since 1992.

The Victorian Government said the Australian Open has become the biggest economic generator in Australian sport, bringing in $565.8 million to its economy in 2025.

Melbourne’s city centre is on track to have the highest ever room nights sold for a January – breaking the record set in January 2025.

According to Accommodation Australia (Victoria) General Manager Dougal Hollis occupancy at Melbourne hotels is up 6% year-on-year.

Victoria’s Deputy Premier Ben Carroll said: “Victoria is serving up another blockbuster, showing the world once again why we are the sporting and major events capital of Australia.

“These events showcase our city and regions to the world, driving our visitor economy which supports 288,000 jobs across the state.”

Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “January in Melbourne is synonymous with the Australian Open, and what a way to kick off another huge year of major events in Victora with one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments.

“We’re so excited to welcome visitors from around the world to this celebration of tennis, entertainment and culture, filling our accommodation providers, restaurants and bars and boosting small businesses across the state.”

Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said: “It’s exciting and special to arrive at day one of the AO main draw, following a tremendous Opening Week.

“Today the world’s best players will take to the courts, all focused on performing their best at the first Grand Slam of the
year, and fans from around the world will be here to cheer them on.

“Australian Open 2026 will again be a stage for incredible tennis, all set against a vibrant festival atmosphere that extends well beyond the court, with live music, world-class food, great entertainment and unforgettable fan experiences.”

AO under fire from fans

Event organisers were taken by surprise when a record crowd of 73,235 people arrived at Melbourne Park for the opening session of the AO on Sunday.

All ground passes were exhausted for the first time ever on Day 1. Attendance beat the previous record set in 2019, with crowds reaching more than 100,000 by the time the night-time session had finished.  

However, fans were angry at having to wait up to fans two hours in the heat to gain access to the venue.

“There was no question that we had more people coming on the grounds than we even expected,” Tiley told Nine’s Today.

“We have so many things happening here and a lot of great tennis, so we had a lot of people showing up at the same time and that’s indicative of the interest of the event.

“We’ll certainly put extra resources on early so the fans have a seamless entry.”

Drinks brands celebrate record crowds

Hospitality venues across the Melbourne Park precinct are expecting more than 1.2 million thirsty attendees expected throughout the tournament.

This year’s drinks partners include Aperol, Altos Tequila, Asahi, Balter, Brookvale Union, Canadian Club, Grey Goose, Jacob’s Creek, Guojiao 1573 baijiu and Piper-Heidsieck.

Take a look at their hospitality offerings at Melbourne Park and AO Reserve here.