Australian Open slashes ticket prices for 2016 women's singles final

Prices for ground passes and early-round matches in the Rod Laver Arena will remain the same

Melbourne, August 3 Australian Open organisers announced on Monday they have slashed ticket prices of the 2016 women's singles final by 32 percent in response to fan feedback after this year's tennis tournament.

The decision was announced by Tennis Australia (TA) commercial director Richard Heaselgrave with the cheapest seat to see the women's final now costing $70, less than the 2015 equivalent, reports Xinhua.

Fans who felt they were short-changed attending the women's decider will now pay as little as $142 to attend the 2016 final, down from $212.

Meanwhile, the men's final commands the premium price of $289 for the cheapest seat - more than double the price of the women's championship match. In contrast to the women's decider, the price of attending the men's final has gone up compared to last year's offering, rising by $4.

Fans clearly felt they weren't getting value for money attending the women's final which last year went for just one hour and 51 minutes compared to the men's match which was three hours and 39 minutes.

Last year's women's final was one of the longer Australian Open finals. In 2012, Victoria Azarenka won in 82 minutes while 2014 winner Li Na won in 97 minutes -- the second set wrapping up in 27 minutes.

The announcement also detailed that ground pass prices would remain the same while the price of attending early-round matches on Rod Laver Arena will also remain unchanged.

Heaselgrave said the price restructuring would allow tennis fans the greatest choice of tickets for the 2016 tournament.

"Whether you are a die-hard tennis fan or use the biggest event on Australia's sporting calendar to entertain guests, we've opened the door for everyone to design their own unique Australian Open 2016 experience," Heaselgrave said.

"Tennis fans are a sophisticated audience and they're used to having a say in where they sit in the stadium at other major sports and entertainment events. We've listened to feedback."

The 2016 Australian Open will take place from January 18 to 31.