In 2021, 17-year-old Carlos Alcaraz gave spectators on Court 17 at Melbourne Park a close-up glimpse of a Grand Slam champion in waiting.
Not short on hype, the Spaniard won his debut Australian Open match against Botic van de Zandschulp on that first Tuesday. Less than two years later he had catapulted to the world No.1 ranking.
Almost all the big names have started their Australian Open journeys beyond the three main arenas.
With some careful planning to stake out a spot early on an outside court, you can catch such future champions in action on a ground pass – still arguably the best-value ticket to experience Grand Slam tennis at Melbourne Park.
A limited number of Early Bird Ground Passes can be snapped up from just $19 before 1 December, or from $49 thereafter.
Star-spotting on side courts
Roger Federer made his Australian Open debut with a win over Michael Chang on Show Court 2 – now known at 1573 Arena – in 2000. Four years later, Rafael Nadal won his first outing at the site against Michal Tabara on Court 6.
In 2012, a 15-year-old Ash Barty debuted at her home major on the same court Federer did 12 years prior, while ground pass holders who made their way to intimate Court 8 in 2016 could have caught future champion Naomi Osaka downing Donna Vekic in her maiden appearance at Melbourne Park.
There have never been more opportunities to soak up the action than as at AO 2024, following the move to extend the main-draw schedule and entertainment across 15 days.
READ MORE: Australian Open set for historic Sunday start
With the tournament starting for the first time in history on Sunday (14 January), you can experience the buzz of first-round showdowns across the precinct on a ground pass for three days.
Stadium access
The 2022 opening of the 5000-seat Kia Arena gives you even greater bang for your buck on a ground pass.
This is on top of existing access to sections of John Cain Arena – the event’s second-largest venue – plus all of 1573 Arena and Court 3, both 3000-seat show courts.
JCA’s ground pass allocation typically proves hugely popular and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The key to landing a seat on these arenas is to settle in early enough to beat the bulk of the crowd hoping to catch Nick Kyrgios, for example, whipping up a frenzy late in the afternoon on his favourite court at Melbourne Park.
It is a similar story for all outside courts. They tend to fill later in the day when Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena sessions end and as the night session crowds begin to pour in.
Our tip? Plan your on-court seating, and visits to Grand Slam Oval and AO Ballpark, plus eating, drinking and bathroom stops accordingly.
Festival atmosphere
Some of the greatest early-round AO showdowns have unfolded amid the party-like surrounds of the outside courts.
Many of the best atmospheres around the grounds arise not only from the players competing, but also thanks to the countries they represent – think lively swathes of Australian, Polish, Chilean, Brazilian, Croatian, Greek or Serbian fans chanting in national colours.
If you’re a truly dedicated tennis fans, your ground-pass experience need not end at the end of the day session. You can continue catching the action on outside courts – and on JCA – or watch the feature night matches under the stars on big screens at Garden Square and Grand Slam Oval.
Vantage points
If the thought of long late-day queues doesn’t take your fancy, this is the perfect time to wander the far reaches of the grounds, hopping between less-crowded courts to catch world-class tennis up close.
You might find yourself inspired, and decide to have a hit of Padel on the upper terrace at Birrarung Marr.
Instead, you could head for drinks and a bite at Grand Slam Oval or around Garden Square.
You’ll find more entertainment options at Melbourne Park for AO 2024 including the AO Courtside Bar, a double-storey structure overlooking Court 6 with a capacity of more than 400.
READ MORE: AO Courtside Bar, Finals Festival to reach new heights at AO 2024
Early Bird Ground Passes start from $19 and are on sale now here via Ticketmaster. The Early Bird offer ends 30 November and tickets are limited.