Tennis, Australia Open: $6 water and $25 burgers leave fans fuming
A new arrival sparks online debate
The 2026 Australian Open has added Shake Shack to its food offerings, but the US based chain’s first appearance at the tournament has quickly drawn attention for reasons beyond its menu.
Shake Shack, which started as a hot dog cart in New York in 2001 before expanding worldwide, is operating as a temporary outlet at Melbourne Park. According to the Daily Mail, the pop up has triggered widespread discussion online after fans shared photos and videos of the prices.
Burgers at the venue are priced between $18.90 and $25. Fries cost between $9.75 and $12.50, shakes are listed at up to $13.90, and bottled water is priced at $5.95.
Fans compare prices across borders
As posts spread on TikTok and other platforms, many tennis fans began comparing Melbourne Park prices with those at Shake Shack locations overseas. Several commenters said the Australian Open prices were far higher than what they had paid in other countries.
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One TikTok user said prices at a Shake Shack in the Philippines were roughly a third of the cost. Another claimed a full meal overseas cost about $20, compared with close to $40 at the tournament. Others joked that they wanted to try the food but not at the cost of an Australian Open ticket.
The comparisons added to a broader discussion about rising food costs at major international sporting events.
Influencer offers a different view
Not all reactions were negative. Food influencer Dub Eats, known online as @dub.eats.everything, posted a video from inside Melbourne Park defending the experience.
“I feel like I’m in New York back on a summer’s day in Madison Square Park,” he said. “It tastes just like the US…hopefully we see a store in Australia soon.”
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When asked by a follower whether the food was worth the price, he replied that in his view it was.
Tournament organisers respond
Tennis Australia addressed the criticism in a statement reported by news.com.au, saying it works with food and beverage partners to keep prices as close as possible to those found at permanent locations.
The organisation said that operating a temporary Shake Shack outlet in Australia involves additional costs, including local labour expenses, higher ingredient prices and the construction of a fully compliant temporary kitchen.
A familiar flashpoint at Melbourne Park
Concerns about food and drink pricing have surfaced at previous Australian Open tournaments. According to earlier reporting by the Daily Mail, fans last year complained about paying $15.80 for fries topped with oregano and feta.
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Alcohol prices also drew attention, with a 375ml cider costing $13 and a glass of wine priced at $13.95. Merchandise costs have prompted similar reactions, including a Ralph Lauren baseball cap sold for $109.
As the tournament continues, food prices appear set to remain part of the conversation alongside the tennis.
Sources: Daily Mail, news.com.au
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