If the ATP has any say in it, the Australian Open is staying put in Melbourne forever as the season-opening grand slam once again boasts record crowds and bumper TV ratings.
Officially branded the Grand Slam of Asia Pacific, the Open could conceivably come under threat from the likes of cashed-up China or Saudi Arabia.
Perhaps that’s why the Victorian government and Tennis Australia moved to extend hosting rights of the billion-dollar extravaganza until 2046 during the global pandemic.
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And if ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has his way, the Australian Open is “absolutely” never going anywhere else.
“Here, the park is fantastic. The infrastructure is amazing,” Gaudenzi told AAP at Melbourne Park.
“You have the city of Melbourne just a few miles away and the people are just great.
“This is a tennis country. There’s a great history here and it’s amazing.
“Together with Paris, London and New York, we have four great infrastructures and cities for grand slams.
“I see no reason why we should change that.”
The 2025 Open drew 941,635 fans through the gates over the first 12 days of the so-called “Happy Slam”.
With three days remaining, the tournament is on track to surpass last year’s all-time record of 1,020,763 spectators flooding to Melbourne Park and its huge precinct that stretches almost to Federation Square.
Officials reported 10 daily records through to women’s semi-final night on Thursday.
© AAP