MELBOURNE: Day 5 of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park was thrown into chaos Friday after with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the state would be placed under a snap five-day lockdown to deal with a growing COVID-19 cluster in the city's outer suburbs.
The implications for the Australian Open were simple: no fans for at least five days and players were to be placed into a 'COVID bubble', until such time as it was safe to ease restrictions.
The lockdown and return to Stage 4 restrictions began at 11:59 p.m. local time Friday.
Tennis Australia released the following statement after the lockdown announcement:
"Tennis Australia continues to work with the government to ensure the health and safety of everyone.
"The Victorian government has announced a five-day lockdown commencing at 11:59pm on Friday. Australian Open sessions today and tonight will continue as planned with COVIDSafe protocols in place.
"We are notifying ticketholders, players and staff that there will be no fans onsite at the AO for five days, commencing from Saturday 13 February.
"Full refunds will be available for anyone who has tickets for these sessions and they will be advised on how to apply as soon as possible.
"The AO broadcast-only contingency plan will commence from Saturday 13 February until restrictions are lifted. Play will continue uninterrupted on the broadcast, albeit without spectators onsite.
"We will provide further updates on the new conditions as soon as possible."
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