The Australian Open will allow 30,000 daily spectators

The situation regarding the coronavirus pandemic is so good in Australia that the state of Victoria has decided to allow up to 30,000 daily viewers can enter Melbourne Park during the Australian Open (February 8-21). It was announced on Saturday by the Minister of Sports, Martin Pakula.

It will be like this for the first eight days of the tournament and from the quarterfinals the number will be reduced to 25,000, half the average attendance in a normal event year. Great news for the morale of the players, some of whom showed their surprise and satisfaction at playing on a packed court during the exhibition that took place on Friday, in which Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams participated among others. “I'm super excited to have fans at the Australian Open like here today,” said the Spaniard after beating Thiem. And it is that 4,000 spectators packed the central court of Momorial Drive Park, an image that has not been seen for a long time in tennis.

Tennis Australia, in collaboration with local authorities, decided to divide the Melbourne Park facilities into three zones (Margaret Court Arena, Rod Laver Arena and John Cain Arena) as a security measure within the anti-COVID protocol for ATP 250, WTA 500, ATP Cup and Australian Open tournaments. Depending on the ticket they have purchased, viewers will be able to choose the area in which they want to see each event.