Insane prices at the Australian Open revealed as fans get charged $15.80 for hot chips and $109 for a cap – but at least the oven mitts are cheap
The 2025 Australian Open officially starts next week and fans heading to Melbourne Park for the tennis festival have plenty to look forward to.
As always, the event marks the pinnacle of the Australian summer swing, with many of the world’s greatest players coming together from far and wide to battle for glory at the first Grand Slam of the year.
The ‘happy slam’ always provides plenty of entertainment, fantastic food and drink options and a sensational atmosphere.
But for those who want to enjoy the best of what the Australian Open has to offer, you may have to part with a pretty penny.
While there haven’t been huge price increases in the cost of a beer, glass of wine or burger since the 2024 tournament, we’ve noticed a number of price tags raising eyebrows during our travels around Melbourne Park this week, including the price of a bowl of hot fries.
Fans looking for fries will have to fork out as much as $13.50 at a number of food stalls in the tennis district, while Greek oregano feta fries cost $15.80.
Fans heading to the Australian Open this summer can expect to pay $13.50 for a bowl of hot chips
The Australian Open will have some unique and interesting items in their superstores this year, with the azure AO oven mitts being the prized item
A 330ml Peroni costs $13.50, while prosecco, red wine and sauvignon blanc all cost $13.95.
At another food retailer, those looking for a little more filling can pay $18.10 for a cheeseburger, while a plant-based burger is slightly more expensive at $20.50.
It was already a warm week in Melbourne, with temperatures above 25ºC on Wednesday. Tennis Australia offers fans plenty of easily accessible water bottle refill stations that are free to use.
But if you forget your bottle or find yourself craving something fizzy, you can grab a 750ml soft drink for €5.40 or buy a bottle of water, which costs €5.90.
For those who want to enjoy tennis with a stronger drink, a 330ml glass of Peroni costs $13.50 at Bar Centrale on Garden Square. However, a full pint is not much more expensive, costing $14.40 in the Peroni Bar, which is located at the back of the Grand Slam Oval.
A 375ml glass of Somersby Cider costs $13.00, while a glass of Squealing Pig Prosecco, red wine or white wine costs $13.95.
Ghosts are a little more precious. A Canadian Club and Dry costs $14.75, while a 250ml Gray Goose Lemon Ace costs $17.50.
While some may be wary of these prizes, many major international sporting events are looking for ways to generate more revenue and have increased their prizes over the past five years.
Wimbledon has notably increased the price of a pitcher of Pimms during the 2024 event, with fans paying $20 for a pitcher at the All England Championships last August.
The Australian Open also sells branded dog leashes, dog bandanas and collars
Ralph Lauren has also raised some eyebrows by charging $109 for their specially designed baseball cap
Those who enjoy tennis and hosting dinner parties can also purchase a set of Australian Open branded serving spoons
Dog leashes, bandanas and oven mitts
As well as food, many will be keen to grab a memento from Melbourne Park this year. Merchandise stores are spread across the district, with Tennis Australia saying the tournament will ‘deliver the most comprehensive merchandise collection to date’.
They certainly weren’t wrong: there are a number of unique and interesting items on offer to fans, perhaps the most notable of which are the Australian Open branded collars, dog bandanas and leashes.
Tennis Australia also offers a number of other unique household items, including their Azure Oven Mitts, which retail for $30.
If you’re planning to host a dinner party for tennis-loving friends, the Australian Open branded wooden serving spoons are another must-have. They cost $30, while cup holders and charcuterie boards are also available for purchase.
Something that is sure to interest many younger customers are the giant green fluffy tennis balls that have returned to the Australian Open Super Stores this year. They sell for $50 each.
Meanwhile, Australian Open Ralph Lauren towels are back on sale. Fans can choose from several designs, which vary in price, with one costing $84.
The luxury brand has once again partnered with the Grand Slam to equip ball kids and referees and provide players with towels.
But the Ralph Lauren has also raised some eyebrows by charging $109 for a specially designed type of baseball cap. The hats are made from synthetic material and come with the brand’s iconic emblem printed large on the forehead of the hat.
Jumbo tennis balls are making a return this year, with the fluffy balls costing $50 each
The Australian Open also sells their own brand of caps, which cost $40 each
Conversely, Australian Open branded caps and a silver ‘AO’ forehead pin cost $40.
During tournament weeks, the Australian Open says 13 stores will be open, along with pop-up stores from Ralph Lauren, New Balance and New Era.
Tennis Australia’s Retail Manager, Jonathan Lee, said in a statement ahead of the tournament: ‘We are so excited to launch the biggest and best range of AO merchandise ever, including our super fun pet collection.
‘Our team have worked tirelessly to deliver an incredible range of fun, fashionable and functional products to ensure there is something for everyone.’