Game, set, match - and a boom for economy: The Australian Open effect

The Australian Open has been officially declared the country's biggest economic generator. The first Grand Slam of the year is played in January, and players from all over the world participate to showcase their talent and secure the ultimate prize.

Over the years, the Australian Open has gained considerable popularity, largely because it occurs after a long break from the previous Grand Slam. Usually, the fourth and final majors of the year is organised in August, which means that the gap between the last major tournament of the current year and the first big tournament of the next year is roughly about five months.

According to local media outlet Nielsen Sports' latest report, the Australian Open is the country's biggest economic generator. The tournament’s director, Craig Tiley, stated on the mega-event's official website that he was delighted to see the tournament named in that category and that the whole organisation is ‘incredibly proud’ of its achievement.

“We are incredibly proud of the immense impact the Australian Open makes to Victoria’s economy every year,” he said. “Australian Open 2024 attracted record crowds, with well over one million fans through the gates over three weeks. These extraordinary numbers provide a vital boost to many local industries and small businesses, especially in tourism, hospitality and retail, and create thousands of full-time jobs.”

This year, the men’s title in the singles category was won by the current world number one Italy’s young tennis star Jannik Sinner who came out on top against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller with a score of 3–6, 3–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–3. On the other hand, in the women’s singles category, it was the current world number three, Belarus’ who lifted the title for the second time after beating China’s Zheng Qinwen in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-2.