For the first time in the Melbourne slam's 119-year history, it will open on a Sunday instead of the usual Monday.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley revealed that the decision was taken keeping fans in mind, so that they get to attend an extra weekend at the Grand Slam.
And ahead of the first game on Sunday, fans were already celebrating at Melbourne Park. Some soaked in the atmosphere while some watched players in practice.
In an interesting development, tournament organisers revealed that during the qualifying week between January 8 and 13, a record 89,894 fans came through the turnstiles.
The previous record of 63,120 was set during last year's opening week.