Full crowds expected at Melbourne's Ashes test and 2022 Australian Open

As Covid-19 restrictions are slowly eased in Melbourne, fan attendance is expected to reach maximum capacity at the England's Ashes test against Australia in December and next year's Australian Open.

Victoria State Premier Dan Andrews said there would no longer be limits on gatherings at major sporting events, allowing spectators to fill out the stadiums. The five-Test Ashes series starts on 8 December at the Gabba in Brisbane, which at the moment can be 75% full.

Subsequently, the first Grand Slam of the season is due to begin on 17 January at Melbourne Park. Earlier this year, the Australian Open was limited in spectator numbers and experienced a five-day snap lockdown in the middle of the event.

Authorities have warned, however, that unvaccinated players are unlikely to get visas to enter the state for the first Grand Slam tournament of 2022. It is unlikely that international fans will be able to get visas to watch the Ashes Tests or the Australian Open because entry to the country remains strictly controlled.