Late in 2022, Australian Open organisers announced a target of 900,000 fans over a three-week period.
Following a successful opening on Monday, that aim could be well and truly smashed come January 29.
A total of 77,944 patrons came through the gates on day one, surpassing the previous record in 2017 (72,424).
The attendance for both day (49,274) and night (28,670) also beat past numbers which were set in 2015 and 2017 respectively.
What is the Australian Open 2023 crowd figures?
| Date | Day Attendance | Night Attendance | Total Attendance |
| Day 1/Jan 16 | 49,274 | 28,670 | 77,944 |
| Day 2/Jan 17 | 37,149 | 29,875 | 67,024 |
| Day 3/Jan 18 | 34,211 |
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Australian Open Tournament director Craig Tiley said prior to the Grand Slam that he cannot wait for the Australian Open to return with a bang.
“We want to return to our pre-pandemic plans of cementing the AO as the biggest annual sporting event in the world in January, while also making it as accessible to as many fans as possible,” Tiley said.
“We can’t wait for what promises to be a jam-packed calendar designed to appeal to all ages. The hugely popular Kids Tennis Day returns and the AO Ballpark, always a huge hit with families, is back bigger and better than ever.
“We have cool new areas to socialise in such as the Beach Bar, you can get involved and try out all forms of the sport at the AO Tennis Club, there are chances to watch the world’s top players in practice matches and charity initiatives to help the people of Ukraine.
“We are also excited to launch our first All-Abilities Day which will complement the increase of our wheelchair draw from eight to 16. The AO Inspirational Series returns for women’s semifinals day and our focus on women’s and girls will be showcased throughout the tournament.”
Melbourne Park court capacities
There are a total of 39 courts at Melbourne Park – 33 hard courts and six clay (of which are not used during the tournament).
The main arenas include Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Arena as well as the Show Courts.
| Court | Capacity (approx.) |
| Rod Laver Arena | 15,000 |
| John Cain Arena | 10,500 |
| Margaret Court Arena | 7,500 |
| Kia Arena | 5,000 |
| Show Court 2 | 3,000 |
| Show Court 3 | 3,000 |
Australian Open attendance 2000 onwards
| Year | Attendance | Year | Attendance |
| 2022** | 346,468 | 2010 | 653,860 |
| 2021* | 130,374 | 2009 | 603,160 |
| 2020 | 812,174 | 2008 | 605,735 |
| 2019 | 796,435 | 2007 | 554,858 |
| 2018 | 743,667 | 2006 | 550,550 |
| 2017 | 728,763 | 2005 | 543,873 |
| 2016 | 720,363 | 2004 | 521,691 |
| 2015 | 703,899 | 2003 | 512,225 |
| 2014 | 643,280 | 2002 | 518,248 |
| 2013 | 684,457 | 2001 | 543,834 |
| 2012 | 686,006 | 2000 | 501,251 |
| 2011 | 651,127 |
** = Crowds were restricted to 50 per cent of overall capacity due to COVID-19.
* = Crowds were permitted to attend only on nine of the 14 days and were restricted to 30-50 per cent of overall capacity due to COVID-19.
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New initiatives for Australian Open 2023
This year’s edition of the Australian Open will include some new attractions, such as:
- New Beach bar, complete with elevated second-storey DJ platform
- Brand-new AO Tennis Club where you can pick up a racquet and try all the fun of Tennis Hot Shots, Padel, Pop, Cardio, Totem and Table Tennis
- Kids Tennis Day
- AO Ballpark presented by Emirates, including a new aerial activity, water slide and Tennis Hot Shots courts
- New 11-metre-high structure on Grand Slam Oval casting an additional 36 square metres of shade across GSO
- New Finals Festival Ground Pass (starting at $39 for adults and $9 for children) includes access to Kia Arena for feature performances from big name local and international artists.
- AO First Nations Day
- First Nations interactive storytelling in the AO Ballpark
- AO Pride Day
- AO Grand Slam presented by Ralph Lauren, the world’s biggest amateur LGBTQI+ tournament
- AO All Abilities Day