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 kicks off next week and fans heading to Melbourne Park for the tennis festival have plenty to look forward to.
As ever, the event marks the pinnacle of the Aussie summer swing, with many of the world’s greatest players flocking from far and wide to compete for glory at the first Grand Slam of the year.
The ‘happy slam’ always provides plenty of entertainment, fantastic food and beverage options and a sensational atmosphere.
But for those looking to enjoy the best of what the Australian Open has to offer, you may have to part company with a pretty penny.
While there haven’t been massive price hikes for the cost of a beer, glass of wine or a burger since 2024’s tournament, on our travels around Melbourne Park this week we have noticed some price tags that might raise eyebrows, including the price of a bowl of hot chips.
Fans looking to snack on some fries will have to part way with a whopping $13.50 at some food outlets in the tennis precinct, while Greek oregano feta fries will set you back $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 are set to have some unique and interesting items in their super stores this year, with the Azure blue AO oven mitts being the prized item
A 330ml Peroni is being priced at $13.50, while prosecco, red wine and sauvignon blanc are all $13.95
At another food outlet, those looking for something a little more filling could pay $18.10 for a cheeseburger, while a plant-based burger comes in slightly more expensive at $20.50.
It’s already been a hot week in Melbourne, with temperatures on Wednesday ticking over 25º. Tennis Australia are providing fans with plenty of easy-to-access water bottle refill stations that are free to use.
But should forget your bottle or find yourself craving something fizzy, you can grab a 750ml soft drink for $5.40 or snag yourself a bottle of water, which comes in at $5.90.
For those looking to enjoy the tennis with a stronger tipple, a 330ml glass of Peroni costs $13.50 at Bar Centrale located in Garden Square. A full pint is not much more expensive, though, coming in at $14.40 at the Peroni Bar which is found at the back of the Grand Slam Oval.
A 375ml glass of Somersby Cider will set you back $13.00, while a glass of Squealing Pig Prosecco, red wine or white wine will cost $13.95.
Spirits are slightly more dear. A Canadian Club and Dry comes in at $14.75, while a 250ml Grey Goose Lemon Ace costs $17.50.
While some may baulk at those prices, many major international sporting events are looking at ways to raise greater revenue and have, over the past five years, bumped up their prices.
Wimbledon, notably hiked up the price of a jug of Pimms at the 2024 event, with fans paying $20 for a pitcher at last August’s All England Championships.
The Australian Open are also selling branded dog leads, dog bandannas and collars
Ralph Lauren has also raised some eyebrows by charging $109 for their a specially designed baseball cap
Those who enjoy tennis and hosting dinner parties can also pick up a set of Australian Open branded serving spoons
Dog leads, bandannas and oven mitts
Aside from food, many will be eager to grab a memento from Melbourne Park this year. Merchandise shops are spread throughout the precinct, with Tennis Australia saying that the tournament is ‘set to deliver its most extensive merchandise collection yet’.
They were certainly not wrong, there are some unique and interesting items on offer to fans, with perhaps the most notable being the Australian Open branded dog collars, dog bandannas and leads.
Tennis Australia is also offering up some other unique homeware items including their Azure blue oven mitts, which come in at a price of $30.
If you’re planning on hosting a dinner for any tennis-loving friends, the Australian Open branded wooden serving spoons are another must-have. They are priced at $30, while cup holders and charcuterie boards are also on sale.
Something that is certain to interest many younger patrons are the giant green fluffy tennis balls that have returned to the Australian Open Super Stores this year. They are being sold for $50 a pop.
Meanwhile, Australian Open Ralph Lauren towels are back on sale. Fans can pick from a variety of designs, which vary in price, with one costing $84.
The luxury brand has once again partnered with the Grand Slam to kit out ball kids and umpires as well as provide players with towels.
But the Ralph Lauren has also raised some eyebrows by charging $109 for one specially designed type of baseball cap. The hats are made from a synthetic material and come with the brand’s iconic emblem printed large on the hat’s forehead.
Jumbo tennis balls return again this year with the fluffy balls costing $50 a pop
The Australian Open are also selling their own branded caps, which come in at $40 each
Conversely, Australian Open branded caps with a silver ‘AO’ pin on their forehead will set you back $40.
During tournament weeks, the Australian Open say that 13 retail outlets will be open, along with Ralph Lauren, New Balance and New Era pop-up shops.
Tennis Australia’s Retail Manager, Jonathan Lee, said in a statement prior to the tournament: ‘We are so excited to launch the biggest and best-ever range of AO merchandise, including our super-cute pet collection.
‘Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver an incredible range of fun, fashionable and functional products to ensure there’s something for everyone.’
