Novak Djokovic on Thursday called the record-breaking crowd at the Australian Open “a very good problem,” as organizers managed the surge of spectators at Melbourne Park.
Tournament officials said more than 100,000 fans entered the grounds on Sunday, the first day of the Grand Slam, with long queues forming at security and ticket gates under the summer heat. Organizers deployed extra staff, provided shaded waiting areas, water stations, and medical support, and coordinated with local authorities to ease crowd movement.
Djokovic addressed the large turnouts, noting that packed stands and enthusiastic fans, including many supporting Filipina player Alex Eala, boosted player performance. Players interacted with fans during autograph sessions and practice courts, while event teams monitored court access and adjusted entry controls when capacity was reached.
Officials said the strong attendance reflects sustained interest in the tournament and that data from this year will inform planning for future editions, balancing fan demand with venue safety and logistics.
