Australian Open set to witness record attendance

Sydney, Jan 29(ANI): This year's Australian Open could see a record turnout and tonight's final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic could push the number of spectators close to the 700,000 mark for the first time ever.

Last year, the total attendance in the Australian Open was 651,127, and it is expected to be even higher this time especially with the men's final.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley also believes the tournament has surpassed expectations.

"I think we've focused a lot on making the tournament as comfortable as it can be for the players and we have accomplished that," The Herald Sun quoted him as saying.

Australians Bernard Tomic and Lleyton Hewitt have performed well in the tournament and Tiley feels that is also one of the reasons behind the high number of spectators.

"We've also made sure we can let in as many patrons as we possibly can, plus we had a good tournament with a couple of Australians (Bernard Tomic and Lleyton Hewitt) having a great run," he added.

This tournament was a memorable one for Australians with the introduction of a new superstar in Tomic and the valiant performance of former grand slam champion Hewitt.

Both of them made the round of 16 and Tomic particularly was a big hit for the host broadcaster Channel 7. (ANI)