Australian Open organisers admit ticket sales have gone down

Fears that locals will turn their backs on the forthcoming Australian Open were heightened on Saturday as the multiple build-up events degenerated into a shambles. The final of one of the women's tournaments was abandoned altogether as the tactical-looking withdrawals of former champions continued amid a backlog of matches ahead of the Open's Monday start. Australian Open organisers admitted that ticket sales for the Grand Slam have gone down A crowd of just 40 people watched Dan Evans reach the Murray River Open final on Saturday For British men's No 1 Dan Evans it has been full steam ahead, and on Sunday morning he is due to play the final of the Murray River Open, one of six tournaments laid on to try and get the players in the best shape possible for the next fortnight. The host governing body have gone to huge lengths and expense to stage warm-up events The Grampians Trophy quickly became known as the 'Lockdown Trophy' because it was specially laid on for the women who were forced to do 14 days' full quarantine with no daily release. Melbourne Park was deathly quiet the weekend before the Australian Open is due to start Ground passes that allow fans to roam Melbourne Park without restriction are not on offer this year while the local return to school and border travel restrictions will also blight attendances.