- ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi big fan of Melbourne Park
- Agreement in place with Victorian government and Tennis Australia
- Hosting rights were secured until 2046 during global pandemic
If the ATP has any say in it, the Australian Open is staying put in Melbourne forever as the season-opening grand slam once again boasts record crowds and bumper TV ratings.
Officially branded the Grand Slam of Asia Pacific, the Open could conceivably come under threat from the likes of cashed-up China or Saudi Arabia.
Perhaps that is why the Victorian government and Tennis Australia moved to extend hosting rights of the billion-dollar extravaganza until 2046 during the global pandemic.
And if ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has his way, the Australian Open is ‘absolutely’ staying at Melbourne Park.
‘Here, the park is fantastic. The infrastructure is amazing,’ Gaudenzi said.
‘You have the city of Melbourne just a few miles away and the people are just great.
ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi wants the the Australian Open to ‘absolutely’ stay at Melbourne Park
Officially branded the Grand Slam of Asia Pacific, the Open could eventually come under threat from the likes of cashed-up China or Saudi Arabia (pictured, Aussie star Nick Kyrgios)
Alex de Minaur carried the hopes of his nation into week two at Melbourne Park before he bowed out in the quarter-finals
‘This is a tennis country. There’s a great history here and it’s amazing.
‘Together with Paris, London and New York, we have four great infrastructures and cities for grand slams.
‘I see no reason why we should change that.’
The 2025 Open drew 941,635 fans through the gates over the first 12 days of the so-called ‘Happy Slam’.
With three days remaining, the tournament is on track to surpass last year’s all-time record of 1,020,763 spectators flooding to Melbourne Park and its huge precinct that stretches almost to Federation Square.
Officials reported 10 daily records through to women’s semi-final night on Thursday.
Australian Open boss Craig Tiley previously stated Melbourne Park needs another major stadium to complement Rod Laver Arena and John Cain Arena – the Australian Open’s two main courts – plus more outside courts.
To do that, he suggested Melbourne Park expanding over the rail lines into what little green space remains in the city’s tightly-packed sporting precinct, adjacent to the AAMI Park rectangular stadium.
Melbourne Park is currently leased by Tennis Australia – not owned – with the facility government controlled.
Previously, the Australia Open was played on grass courts at Kooyong before the tournament was moved to the hard courts of Melbourne Park in 1988.
