'Very misleading': Fans point to smart marketing ploy amid record AO qualifying crowd

A packed crowd watches on at ANZ Arena on Day 1 of Australian Open qualifying. (The First Serve)

Known for smashing records every year, the 2026 Australian Open has already started with a bang.

On Monday, the first day of qualifying, 29,261 fans attended Melbourne Park, surpassing the previous record of 7,543.

With stadiums almost packed to the brim, it highlights how far the Australian Open has come in recent years, with countless new additions to 'Opening Week' such as live entertainment and activities.

HEAD has partnered with the Kooyong Classic for 2026. HEAD will be on-site with all their latest products, including the launch of the new Revolt Pro 5.0. Visit the HEAD tents at the Kooyong Classic from 13-15th January to do a fit test on the new Revolt Pros.

However, some tennis fans on social media believe the rapid rise in Day 1 qualifying attendance is because of clever marketing by the tournament.

As opposed to previous years, the Australian Open has advertised the event from January 12-February 1, which includes 'Opening Week' rather than just the two weeks of main draw action.

"I'd consider myself pretty clued on when it comes to tennis, but even I had 'Opening Week' ground passes in my cart thinking they were Day 2 tickets (the ticket with cut copy was about the same as a ground pass last year). Very misleading, almost bought them," one fan wrote on The First Serve's X post.

"Most of them thought it was the start of the tournament, that's how it's been cheekily marketed," another fan wrote.

Another added: "There would be a lot of people there that don't realise the tournament doesn't start till Sunday. The way they have branded it as "Opening Week" was sneaky, and the ticketing website is very misleading."

On The First Serve's Instagram post, one comment read: "I reckon half of them wouldn't have known that it's the qualifiers. Website was confusing when I looked at it."

Already, Melbourne Park has opened more activities than ever before, including AO Ballpark and AO TopCourt, which weren't available during the first few days in 2025.

Kids enter for free and adults are charged $20 during 'Opening Week'.

The main draw commences Sunday, January 18.