Australian Open Faces Scrutiny Over Empty Premium Seats During Marquee Women's Clash
The Australian Open has found itself at the centre of controversy after images emerged showing rows of conspicuously empty seats during a top-tier women's match. The sight has sparked significant debate about ticketing practices, scheduling decisions, and the tournament's hospitality offerings.
Empty Seats During Critical Round-of-16 Match
The concerning visual was captured on Monday during a highly anticipated round-of-16 clash between world number six Jessica Pegula and world number nine Madison Keys. While substantial sections of the lower bowl at Rod Laver Arena were occupied, multiple blocks of prime seating located directly behind both baselines remained visibly vacant throughout much of the encounter.
Tennis enthusiasts expressed bewilderment and frustration at seeing so many empty seats during such a pivotal stage of the tournament. 'Everywhere you look, empty seats in Rod Laver Arena,' one spectator posted on social media. Another added, 'So many empty seats at RLA tonight.' The optics proved particularly jarring given that the Australian Open was reaching its crucial business end.
Hospitality Offerings Blamed for Vacant Premium Sections
Contrary to assumptions of poor ticket sales, tournament organisers confirmed that the seats in question had indeed been sold. The vacancies were attributed to premium ticketholders who were utilising exclusive hospitality facilities instead of occupying their courtside positions.
These guests were enjoying the AO Reserve's Club 1905 hospitality package, which grants access to luxurious amenities including the Chandelier Room, premium food and beverage services, and exclusive balcony bars. The hospitality services commenced as the match began and continued throughout play.
This arrangement meant that by the time many hospitality patrons returned to their designated seats, the match was nearing its conclusion. Pegula secured her victory over Keys with a score of 6–3, 6–4 in just one hour and eighteen minutes.
Growing Criticism Amid Record Crowd Numbers
The situation has drawn sharp criticism, especially as the tournament simultaneously reports unprecedented attendance figures. During the opening weekend, more than 73,000 fans entered Melbourne Park in a single day, leading to extensive queues and the temporary suspension of ground pass sales due to severe congestion.
Fans have voiced concerns that corporate and media allocations are prioritised over genuine tennis supporters. 'Media and corporates shouldn't be given priority especially if they can’t fill them. Should promote and make more accessible for tennis fans,' argued one social media user. Another stated, 'Disappointing to see so many empty seats in prime sections of Rod Laver Arena.'
Broader Tournament Experience Under Fire
The empty seat controversy has amplified existing grievances about the overall Australian Open experience. One fan lamented, 'They’ve absolutely ruined the Australian open experience. Too many paid courts, too many people. Too much time waiting in queues to get in, get food or to see a player you want to see. And now too expensive. Shame considering how good it once was.'
Further complaints have emerged regarding scheduling. On Wednesday night, fans who paid hundreds of dollars for a night session left early after a women's second-round match concluded in little over an hour. 'Some fans paid hundreds to watch the night match at Rod Laver,' a supporter noted online. 'Half of them left early with a totally uninspiring choice of match.'
Others have questioned the logic behind placing short or one-sided matches on centre court while assigning higher-profile contests to other arenas. British player Emma Raducanu previously criticised the practice of scheduling women's matches after potential five-set men's encounters, stating, 'It's very difficult to be scheduling women's matches after a potential five-set match. To me, it doesn't really make much sense.'
Value for Money and Accessibility Concerns Amplified
With Rod Laver Arena boasting a capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators and ticket prices regularly reaching the high hundreds or even thousands for premium sessions, the sight of empty sections during marquee matches has intensified discussions about value for money and fan accessibility.
The all-American showdown between Pegula and Keys was precisely the type of high-calibre contest that should have attracted a full house, making the rows of empty seats in the main stadium all the more perplexing and disappointing for the global tennis community.
