The Australian Open 2026, the first Grand Slam of the tennis season held in January in Melbourne, has reported a record-breaking financial performance, generating $722 million in profit, a 27% increase compared to the previous year.
The tournament, one of the four Grand Slams alongside Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open, also delivered a major economic boost to the city of Melbourne, contributing $549.6 million to the local economy. In total, it generated over $519.9 million for the state of Victoria, bringing the decade-long impact to nearly $3.9 billion.
The event also created 2,547 jobs, including roles in accommodation, hospitality, retail, transport, and construction, reinforcing its status as one of Australia’s most significant annual sporting and economic events.
Record attendance and global reach
The 2026 edition also set new attendance records, attracting 1,368,043 fans across three weeks of competition. The opening week alone drew nearly 218,000 spectators before the main draw began.
The highest single-day attendance in tournament history was recorded on January 22, when 103,956 fans attended the Melbourne Park venue.
Globally, the tournament reached a cumulative audience of 2.2 billion people, generating more than 781 million viewing hours. Australia, China, the United States, Japan, and Poland were among the biggest viewing markets.
In Spain, the victory of Carlos Alcaraz helped boost television consumption by 86% year-on-year, marking the highest level since 2022 when Rafael Nadal last won the title.
Prize money reaches record levels
The tournament also set a new benchmark in prize money distribution, increasing payouts by 19% compared to the previous year. Champion Carlos Alcaraz earned A$4.1 million (around $2.8 million), the same amount awarded to women’s champion Elena Rybakina, while finalist Novak Djokovic received A$2.1 million ($1.4 million).
With rising attendance, record revenues, and expanding global media reach, the Australian Open 2026 further strengthened its position as one of the most commercially powerful events in world sport.