Australian Open 2021 – What does it mean to block Victoria for the first Slam of the tennis season

MELBOURNE, Australia – The 2021 Australian Open already looked considerably different from previous years’ tournaments, but Friday’s announcement of Victoria’s five-day quick closure has thrown things into further chaos.

Players will have to get used to the crowds again, with spectators locked up in Melbourne Park until at least Thursday, February 18, to comply with state 4 stage restrictions.

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

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 the virus was detected in the community overnight – bringing the number of community cases (those not in hotel quarantine) to 14.

All cases that are not in hotel quarantine and their immediate close contacts (such as family members and colleagues) are currently self-isolating. In the 24 hours until midnight, on Friday evening, 20,116 tests were performed throughout the state.

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

What are the latest restrictions in Victoria?

On Friday, the Victorian state government mandated a five-day “circuit breaker” blockade and reintroduced stage 4 restrictions for the entire state. It means that from Saturday Victorians (and all visitors to the state) are allowed to leave their residence only for one of four reasons: buying the necessary goods and services, care and grooming, exercise and essential work.

Necessary goods and services include supermarkets and other food retailers, post offices, banks, pharmacies and liquor stores. Other units, including gyms, swimming pools and sports clubs, were forced to close during the blockade.

With the exception of participating in essential work and care, Victorians are not allowed to leave a 5-kilometer radius around their homes, while face masks must be worn at all times – unless intense exercise, such as running, is practiced. . A full list of restrictions can be found here.

Do players have to comply with the latest restrictions?

Yes, but under restrictions, they are defined as “essential workers” and allowed to participate in their workplace – in this case, Melbourne Park. However, once they leave the ward, they must follow the same rules as everyone in Victoria, including leaving the residence only for the four essential reasons. Since practice is part of their job, they will be allowed to practice on Melbourne Park grounds when not playing. Players must wear masks both indoors and outdoors, unless they are exercising.

During the initial 14-day quarantine, those who were not in a strong lockdown were allowed to practice 5 hours a day, but this limit is not in effect for current restrictions.

While the current five-day lockout is in effect, Rod Laver Arena’s 22 suites will host the first seeds of the tournament. Players will be able to use them as locker rooms and rest areas as a way to help socialize the distance around Melbourne Park. According to Tennis Australia, the first 11 seeds in the men’s and women’s draws still in the tournament will each receive a suite.

Who else is allowed in Melbourne Park?

Melbourne Park will look pretty empty on the weekend and in the second week of the tournament, with fans unable to enter. However, in addition to the players and coaches, there are a few other people who could be seen roaming the field.

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

This means that the referees and the children with the ball will continue their roles normally. Security is also allowed on site, along with members of the media, including photographers, broadcasters and the print media.

What happens to fans who had tickets for Days 6-10?

While it may be disappointing that fans will not be able to attend the Australian Open, they will not be left out of pocket. Tennis Australia will offer full refunds to every fan with a ticket from Saturday to next Wednesday, with an announcement on how to request refunds to be expected imminently. The details will be shared once they are known.

Are those who were forced to leave Rod Laver Arena on Friday night eligible for a refund?

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic said he “never saw anything like it” when Rod Laver Arena fans were asked to leave the venue at 11:30 p.m., Friday. Due to the immediate coverage of the game time, the game was suspended for 15 minutes because the spectators were sent home by security. It meant that Djokovic and American Taylor Fritz had to play the decisive fifth set in an empty stadium, while the fans who had to leave could not witness what was to be an epic finale.

Although unconfirmed, Tennis Australia is also likely to refund all tickets purchased for Friday night’s session at Rod Laver Arena, despite fans being able to watch the last 5½ hours of play.