Australian Open Notebook: Players in uproar over rowdy crowds, while fans blast 'underwhelming' schedule... and how some are staying cool using PERONI SHOWERS
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The party is in full swing at Melbourne Park with 353,189 fans flocking to the Australian Open for the opening four days of the tournament. In fact, a whopping 90,102 people made their way into the tennis precinct on Tuesday, smashing the previous record for a day three-day and night session (83,015 back in 2024) at the Australian Open.
![[On Monday, some stood in line for nearly four hours for tickets to see local hero Nick Kyrgios]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/16/06/94147127-14288359-Kyrgios_suffered_a_three_set_defeat_by_British_star_Jacob_Fearnl-a-2_1737010658542.jpg)
In fact, some fans on Monday waited in line for approximately four hours to secure tickets to see local hero Nick Kyrgios. There was heartbreak for the Aussie though, returning to his home Grand Slam after a spate of injury woes to suffer defeat by rising British star Jacob Fearnely.
![[But while busy, the grounds have not felt overwhelmed with people. The infrastructure at the Australian Open has been hugely impressive this week]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/16/06/94147349-14288359-But_while_busy_the_grounds_have_not_felt_overwhelmed_with_people-a-4_1737010660106.jpg)
The highlight on Tuesday came during the evening session where newly engaged couple Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter both took to the court at the same time and booked their places in the second round of the Australian Open. It was a totally all-encompassing evening for both British and Australian tennis fans as the pair thrilled on the court.
![[Katie Boulter was put on the spot by an awkward interview question on Tuesday night]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/16/06/94147123-14288359-Katie_Boulter_was_put_on_the_spot_by_an_awkward_interview_questi-a-5_1737010660367.jpg)
De Minaur wrapped up his match against Botic van de Zandschulp in three sets before scrambling his way over to the Kia Arena to watch his beau, Boulter, battle past Rebecca Marino. Boulter, who is seeded No 22 in the women's singles draw, set a record in Melbourne, becoming the sixth British player to win in the first round of singles at the tournament.
![[After Boulter roared her way into the second round an interviewer asked her if we can start calling her 'Aussie Kate'. The Brit is feeling at home in Australia and has the backing of many Australian fans]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/16/06/94147431-14288359-After_Boulter_roared_her_way_into_the_second_round_an_interviewe-a-6_1737010660511.jpg)
The Australian Open has already broken records for its attendance figures this week, with 353,189 flocking through Melbourne Park's gates in the first four days. On Monday, some stood in line for nearly four hours for tickets to see local hero Nick Kyrgios.
![[Her fiance Alex de Minaur slipped in to watch Boulter play after he finished up his match on Tuesday at the Rod Laver Arena]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/16/06/94147449-14288359-Her_fiance_Alex_de_Minaur_slipped_in_to_watch_Boulter_play_after-a-12_1737010660902.jpg)
