Australian Open technology failure leaves fans stranded outside arena

The introduction of a virtual queue at the Australian Open was meant to speed up entry into arenas, on day one it fell apart.

Technology at the Australian Open double faulted on the opening day.

The introduction of a virtual queue was meant to help speed up entry into John Cain Arena throughout the opening grand slam.

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But it fell apart on day one.

An “Arena Pass” for the stadium was introduced for this year’s tournament and allowed anybody without a reserved ticket to enter into the virtual queue instead of standing in line waiting for a seat to open up.

All fans had to do was simply scan a QR code and then wait for an SMS which would then see them stroll through the doors and into a seat.

But on Sunday as the Australian Open got underway, the technology refused to play ball with the Herald Sun reporting it was from a technical fault related to a QR code.

John Cain Arena was packed as Kei Nishikori took to the court. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP)

The technology fail meant fans were left stranded and standing in long lines outside of John Cain Arena unless they had a reserved seat.

As the heavens opened above Melbourne Park and play on the outside courts was suspended, fans flocked to try and snap up seats inside the three roofed arenas.

Signs outside the arena directed fans elsewhere. “The virtual queue for arena passes is temporarily closed,’’ they said.

“While you wait, please enjoy the tennis action on the big screens at Grand Slam Oval or Garden Square.’’

In a statement provided to the Herald Sun, Tennis Australia said: “There was an issue with the virtual queue technology at JCA this morning.

“Staff admitted fans manually and play started on time. The provider has resolved the issue.’’

Long lines were in vogue at the Australian Open. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Play on the opening day was halted when thunderstorms rolled into Melbourne, forcing all outside courts to come to a standstill.

The heavy downpour meant no play was to take place until 3pm (AEDT) at the earliest.

Thankfully some tennis was still able to unfold as the three main courts shut the roofs and got on with the opening round of action.

Mirra Andreeva has become the first person at the 2025 Australian Open to advance into the second round after defeating Marie Bouzkovavs in straight sets.

The 17-year-old Russian proved too good for her Czech opponent as she secured the 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Originally published as Australian Open technology failure leaves fans stranded outside arena