As Melbourne will enter into a five-day lockdown announced by the Victorian government due to the prevalent Covid-19 conditions, spectators will not be allowed at the Australian Open .
Earlier on Friday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that Melbourne would be locked down from midnight but also said that the Grand Slam will go as per schedule without from Saturday until Wednesday.
“The Victorian government has announced a five-day lockdown commencing at 11.59 p.m. on Friday. Australian Open sessions today and tonight will continue as planned with COVIDSafe protocols in place,” Tennis Australia said in a statement.
“We are notifying ticketholders, players and staff that there will be no fans onsite at the AO for five days, commencing from Saturday 13 February,” it added.
The organisers further said that full refunds would be available for anyone who has tickets for these sessions.
“The AO broadcast-only contingency plan will commence from Saturday until restrictions are lifted. Play will continue uninterrupted on the broadcast, albeit without spectators onsite,” the statement read.
Significantly, fans have been arriving at Melbourne Park to watch play on day five of the Grand Slam tournament.