'SERIOUS MISCOMMUNICATION': GROUND PASS CONFUSION LEADS TO EMPTY RLA FOR ALL-AUSSIE FINAL

Empty seats at Rod Laver Arena left a sour taste for the all-Aussie mixed doubles final. (The First Serve)

The all-Australian mixed doubles final was contested on Rod Laver Arena in front of empty seats after "serious miscommunication" prevented Ground Pass holders from Centre Court access.

Olivia Gadecki and John Peers clawed back from a set down to defeat Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith 3-6 6-4 10-6.

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Although the final produced a high-quality affair, hundreds of fans were locked out despite owning a Ground Pass, understood to only be valid during twilight sessions.

The First Serve reached out to a member of Tennis Australia for comment, providing the following response:

"I'm so sorry but there's been some serious miscommunication at our end and Rod Laver Arena isn't open to Ground Pass holders today for the mixed doubles final. This is something that's happened when it's a twilight session on a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday but isn't the case today.

"I was only communicating what I was told which was sadly not accurate.

"Ground Pass holders will be able to catch all the mixed doubles final action on the big screens in Garden Square and on Grand Slam Oval."

Fans were not happy with the decision, with one person commenting on X: "Actually brainless decision but not surprising with how little love doubles (and especially mixed doubles get). Plus only on ESPN+ for US viewers during primetime."

"Well this is unfortunate. How is this better than just letting Ground Passers in to watch? Even if a mistake was made there must be a better remedy than FOUR home players in a FINAL playing in an empty stadium," a separate comment read.

Another person wrote: "Well there you go. Another massive error by tournament organisers. Why wouldn't you open it up to others?? Not many are showing up 2.5 hours before the singles to watch tennis. This is why doubles continues to suffer. Stupid choices. Bad or no marketing."

When asked after the match if they wished the stadium was opened up to more spectators, John-Patrick Smith offered his thoughts.

"There would have been reasons for it, but [Craig Tiley] did a great job, and he did a great job letting people come in. He puts on a phenomenal event, the players are well taken care of and we have a great time here always."

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