Ticket prices for finals at 2023 Australian Open drastically different for men versus women

Rod Laver Arena (Bluetyphoon27, Wikimedia Commons)

The 2023 Australian Open has provided some exhilarating tennis over the first four days of action. The two matches featuring three-time grand slam champion and five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray (one against Matteo Berrettini of Italy and the other against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia) have been spectacular to say the least.

However there is one particular storyline from the 2023 Australian Open that has left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. That story is ticket prices. A ticket for the men’s final on Sunday, January 29, is a whopping $1299. Yet, the ticket price for the women’s final on Saturday, January 28 is only $319. In fact the ticket prices for the men’s semifinals for the 2023 Australian Open are still more expensive than the women’s final. The first semifinal on January 27 is $399, while the second semifinal on January 27 is $653.

I understand why the ticket prices for the men’s final is more expensive than the women’s final. Men play best of five, while women play best of three. However, should a ticket for the men’s final be four times more expensive when there is a mathematical possibility that the women’s match could go as long as the men’s match?

A ticket to the men’s final of the Australian Open should only be 40% more expensive than a ticket to the women’s final instead of four times. The prize money is the same for men and women. The men’s and women’s champion will each earn $2.975 million, with a total prize pool of $76.5 million.

What do you think? How much more should a ticket to the Australian Open men’s final compared to the women’s final be?

Tell us what you think in the comments below.