MELBOURNE – After years of preparation, the dream of meeting at the Australian Open came true this month for four Polish university friends living on different continents.
Karolina Minczuk and her companions embody a growing movement of Tennis fans, particularly Eastern European women, who come together to travel to tournaments, like football and cricket fans across the decades.
“We said, ‘We’re doing the 2025 Australian Open Girls Edition,’” said Minczuk, who currently lives in Cambridge, England.
“Our families, children, husbands, all stay at home. »
Minczuk, Magda Polanowska-Drozdz of Los Angeles, and Magda Piorko of Johannesburg have gathered in Melbourne, where they plan to attend the tournament every day that Polish players are on court.
“Polish women from all over the world are applauding Polish tennis players,” Polanowska-Drozdz said after watching compatriot Iga Swiatek outclass Rebecca Sremkova in the second round of the prestigious Grand Slam event.
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The trip was not without costs, amounting to thousands of dollars and requiring considerable travel for some, but the friends agreed it was worth it.
Dressed in red and white to represent the Polish flag, their dynamic presence in the stadium is undeniable.
With the support of Melburnian Katarzyna Paternoga, the group connected with other Polish expats and fans, forming one of the largest delegations of supporters at the Australian Open.
-“We analyze schedules together, we buy tickets together, we sit together in stadiums, with flags and colors,” said Paternoga, who has been attending the Australian Open for two decades. “We are all focused on tennis and supporting our players. »
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Their enthusiastic support for Swiatek, world number two, did not go unnoticed.
“I am happy that there are such groups, I feel their support,” expressed Swiatek after validating her passage to the fourth round. “Everywhere I go, in every corner of the world, there are Poles who support me, and every year I feel like there are more and more of them. »
According to the Victorian state government, around 620,000 hotel nights were booked in Melbourne during last year’s tournament, attracting just over a million spectators, many from overseas.
Tennis Australia does not keep statistics on ticket sales by gender, but researcher Ryan Storr noted the diversity evident among fans at Melbourne Park, particularly the significant representation of women and girls.
“Historically, sport and sporting events have failed to attract women, or ensure their safety at events,” said Storr, a researcher at Swinburne Sport Innovation Research Group. “With equal prize money at Grand Slams and successful players like Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff gaining large numbers of fans, it’s no surprise that female fans want to support their stars. »
The four Polish friends were seduced by the welcoming atmosphere of Melbourne Park.
“The accessibility and super relaxed and friendly environment is truly second to none,” commented Minczuk, who also attended Wimbledon last year.
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