Australian Open caps crowd capacity at 50% due to Covid surge

The organizers of the Australian Open have revealed that crowds at the main Australian Open tennis stadiums will be capped at 50% capacity, under updated COVID-19 restrictions.

This new mandate was released as authorities battle an increase of Covid cases in Melbourne. In addition to the reduced crowds, face masks will also be mandatory for all patrons, except when eating or drinking, and there will be density limits of one person per two square meters at indoor hospitality venues.

Tennis Australia (TA) said the 50% cap only applied for ticket sales at the Rod Laver Arena center court and the second show court Margaret Court Arena.

"There are no changes to ground pass access and we still expect to see strong crowds," TA executive Ben Slack said in a statement.

"We are confident in the 'COVIDSafe' measures we have in place."

The Victoria government said all tickets purchased to the Grand Slam to date remained valid, implying usually brisk sales at the main courts had not reached 50% capacity for any sessions.