John Cain Arena is the only one of those stadiums that ground-pass ticket-holders can access, so there was a logjam to enter.

The Australian Open’s new virtual queue system, which was designed to speed up the process of entering the arena for fans without a reserved seat, also broke down on the first day.

The idea is for fans to scan a QR code then head out to enjoy the event’s other offerings until a text message indicates that a seat is available.

Outside the arena, a sign stated: “The virtual queue for the arena passes is temporarily closed.”

The technology, which was trialled last year, was back in operation for the evening session.

Staff with megaphones warned those who dared enter that John Cain Arena was at capacity and there were no seats available.

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Hundreds of people stood in an enormous line that snaked along the corridor.

When this masthead spoke to Phillip and Mary Arnold, who were among 55,704 fans to attend on day one, they were near the front of a line that they had stood in for more than 2½ hours.

“I nearly fainted. I had to go and sit down,” Mary said.

A tournament spokesperson said staff were forced to admit fans manually after there was an issue with the queuing system.

Those who were lucky enough to score a seat received pass-outs to hold onto their spots, meaning there was limited movement in the queue.

Staff planned to clear the stadium for the evening session to enable queuing fans to take a seat.
A group of four friends who were at the back of the queue when this masthead spoke to them said they wanted refunds.

“Weather is predicted; there should be some [compensation],” said one man, Alex. “People are getting soaking wet.”

The group felt there were not enough wet-weather options for those with ground passes.

Dean said: “On a nice day, there are plenty of options, but given the current weather, it’s a bit rough, especially when the umbrellas are $40 and a poncho is $25.”

Many fans used newly purchased AO-branded ponchos and umbrellas as the weather turned.

The high demand for ponchos meant they sold out at some of the venue’s merchandise stores.

Siblings Amina, 27, and Ali, 18, bought their ponchos when their sole umbrella was not cutting it in the face of the storm.

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Amina, who entered Melbourne Park on a ground-pass ticket, said the atmosphere was “pretty sad”.

“I’ve been to the Open basically every year, and it’s disappointing,” Amina said.

“As Melburnians, we know the weather is a bit whack, but when you think about people who’ve probably travelled from far and wide to be here, it’s a bit sad.”

Defending champion Jannik Sinner, Nick Kyrgios, 10-time winner Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Frances Tiafoe are all set to play in a loaded Monday schedule.

Watch all the Australian Open action live on Nine, 9Now and Stan from Sunday, January 12.

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