Sports | Australian Open 2026 Day 11: Extreme Heatwave Slashes Crowds, Tennis Australia Faces Over A$1M Losses
By Newzvia
Quick Summary
Tennis Australia is bracing for losses exceeding A$1 million after a record heatwave on Day 10 drastically reduced crowds at the Australian Open despite high-profile quarterfinals. Attendance plummeted from 50,000 on Monday to just 21,000 on Tuesday as temperatures neared 50°C, turning Melbourne Park into a ghost town. Organizers activated extreme heat protocols, closing roofs and postponing outer court matches amid ongoing sweltering conditions.
Australian Open Hit by Record Heatwave: Crowds Halve, Losses Top A$1 Million
Extreme heat on Day 10 of the Australian Open 2026 has delivered a financial blow to Tennis Australia, with projected losses surpassing A$1 million due to sharply reduced attendance at Melbourne Park. Despite blockbuster quarterfinal matches, including Aryna Sabalenka's clash with Iva Jovic, crowds dwindled dramatically as temperatures approached 50°C, prompting fans to stay home amid health warnings.
Attendance Plummets Amid Searing Conditions
The tournament, which had enjoyed record-breaking turnout in previous days, saw daytime session attendance drop from 50,000 on Monday to a mere 21,000 on Tuesday. Melbourne Park transformed into a virtual ghost town, with usual throngs outside the venues absent as Victoria sweltered in one of its hottest days on record. Rural towns like Hopetoun and Walpeup in Victoria hit preliminary highs of 48.9°C, nearing marks from the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
Extreme Heat Protocols Activated
Organizers swiftly implemented extreme heat measures, closing retractable roofs over main arenas and postponing matches on uncovered outer courts. During Sabalenka's quarterfinal—the last played under the scorching sun—players used ice packs on their heads and portable fans during breaks. Photographers received cushions to prevent heat-related injuries and towels to shield cameras from malfunctioning in the intense conditions.
- Fans queued for giant misting fans or retreated to air-conditioned areas.
- No casualties reported from the heatwave, though three forest fires burned out of control in Victoria.
- Temperatures were forecast to ease slightly on Wednesday but linger through the weekend.
Broader Impact of Australia's Heatwave
This heatwave follows an earlier one this month, marking one of Australia's hottest summers. Parts of New South Wales and South Australia also shattered temperature records earlier in the week. Victoria authorities urged caution, emphasizing the risks amid uncontrolled bushfires.
Tennis Australia's Financial Fallout
Day 11 proceedings continue under improved but still challenging conditions, but the damage from Day 10's empty stands is clear. Tennis Australia now faces losses over A$1 million, highlighting the vulnerability of major sporting events to extreme weather in a warming climate. The tournament presses on, with fans and officials hoping for cooler weather to restore full houses.