Australian Open 2021: What does the closing of Victoria mean for the first slam of the tennis season

MELBOURNE, Australia – The 2021 Australian Open already looked very different from previous years ’tournaments, but Friday’s announcement of a five-day Victoria state closing has caused chaos.

Players will have to get used to the crowds again, with spectators locked out of Melbourne Park until at least Thursday 18 February, in order to meet the state’s Phase 4 restrictions.

So what exactly is going on in Melbourne and what does that mean for the first Grand Slam of the year? Here’s an attempt to clarify things a bit.

What is the current situation of COVID-19 in Victoria?

As of Saturday, Victoria has 20 active cases of COVID-19. Only one new case of virus was detected in the community overnight, bringing the number of community cases (those not in hotel quarantine) to 14.

Currently, all cases that are not in hotel quarantine and their immediate close contacts (such as family members and housemates) are isolated on their own. Between 24 hours and midnight on Friday night, 20,116 tests were conducted statewide.

A total of 14 active cases are related to the Holiday Inn cluster at Melbourne Airport. The hotel was used as a hotel quarantine location to return arrivals abroad, but is no longer used as such after the virus escaped and entered the community last week.

What are the latest restrictions on Victoria?

On Friday, the Victorian state government ordered a five-day “circuit breaker” blockade and reintroduced Phase 4 restrictions for the entire state. It means that as of Saturday, Victorians (and all visitors to the state) will be allowed to leave their residence for only one of four reasons: to buy the necessary goods and services, to care and care, to do exercise and work basically.

Necessary products and services include supermarkets and other food retailers, post offices, banks, pharmacies and liquor stores. Other establishments, including gyms, swimming pools and sports clubs, have been forced to close during the closure.

Except for attending essential work and paying attention, Victorians also cannot leave a 5-mile radius around their home, while they must wear face masks at all times, except when doing intense exercises such as running. You can find a full list of restrictions here.

Do players have to meet the latest restrictions?

Yes, but under the restrictions, they define themselves as “essential workers” and are allowed to attend their workplace, in this case, in Melbourne Park. However, once they have left the premises, they must follow the same rules as everyone else in Victoria, including leaving their residence for the four essential reasons. Since practice is part of their job, they will be allowed to practice on the Melbourne Park courts when they are not playing. Players must wear masks both indoors and outdoors, except when exercising.

During the initial 14-day quarantine, people who were not locked up for five hours a day were allowed to practice, but this limit is not set for current restrictions.

While the current five-day lockout remains, the 22 suites at Rod Laver Arena will host the best positions in the tournament. Players will be able to use them as changing rooms and rest areas as a way to help social distancing around Melbourne Park. According to Tennis Australia, the top 11 seeds in the tournament’s men’s and women’s draws will be awarded a suite.

Who is still allowed in Melbourne Park?

The Melbourne Park grounds will look pretty bare over the weekend and second week of the tournament with the inability of the fans. However, apart from the players and coaches, there are some people who can be seen roaming the pitches.

“The essentials for the delivery of the event will be on site,” tournament director Craig Tiley said Friday afternoon.

This means that the referees and ball children will continue their roles normally. On-site security is also allowed, along with members of the media, including photographers, broadcasters and the written press.

What about fans who had tickets for days 6-10?

While it may be disappointing that fans can’t attend the Australian Open, they won’t be out of pocket. Tennis Australia will be offering full refunds to all ticket fans from Saturday to next Wednesday, with an announcement on how refunds can be requested that are imminently expected. Details will be shared once known.

Can those who were forced to leave Rod Laver Arena on Friday night get a refund?

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic said he had “never seen anything like it” when Rod Laver Arena fans were asked to leave the venue at 11:30 p.m., local time on Friday. With the curfew imminent, the game was suspended for 15 minutes as security sent spectators home. It meant Djokovic and American Taylor Fritz had to play the decisive fifth set in an empty stadium, while fans who had to leave were unable to witness what was to be an epic finale.

Although it is not confirmed, it is likely that Tennis Australia will also refund tickets purchased for Friday night’s session at Rod Laver Arena, although fans can see the previous 5½ hours of play.