Aussie Open ratings plummet despite American success

Field Level Media|published: Fri 31st January, 13:47 2025

Jan 24, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ben Shelton of United States of America hits a forehand during his match against Jannik Sinner of Italy in the semifinals of the men's singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Viewership for the 2025 Australian Open was down 11 percent from last year and 16 percent compared to 2023.

That's despite Madison Keys winning her first Grand Slam title by upsetting World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the women's final, and fellow American Ben Shelton reaching the men's semifinals.

The first Grand Slam of 2025 averaged 235,000 viewers on ESPN and ESPN2, according to Front Office Sports. While Keys' victory over Sabalenka drew 452,000 viewers, a three-year high for the women's final, the quarterfinals through the finals combined saw a 20 percent drop compared to last year.

The ratings were impacted by Novak Djokovic's withdrawal from his men's semifinal match due to a left leg injury after losing the first set to Alexander Zverev. The match averaged 497,000 viewers, down significantly from the 760,000 that watched Jannik Sinner upset Djokovic in last year's semis.

Sinner's straight-sets victory over Zverev to defend his men's title this year drew an average of 465,000 viewers, down 12 percent from last year.

Both championship matches aired at 3:30 a.m. ET.

--Field Level Media