The opening grand slam of the 2022 tennis season could take place in front of capacity crowds after the Australian Open was given permission to fill Melbourne Park by Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews.
“Victorians have kept their end of the bargain and the government will do the same,” Andrews said on Thursday as his state approaches a 90 per cent coronavirus vaccination rate.
Accordingly, restrictions on public gatherings will be lifted meaning the traditional Boxing Day test cricket match between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) can fully welcome fans, as can the Australian Open.
"Whether it’s 100,000 people at the MCG on Boxing Day, or a smaller group of people standing up at the public bar at their local pub having a beer, this is the Covid normal that every Victorian has built," the Age paper quoted Andrews saying.
“This is the safe delivery of the national plan. I’m not only proud of Victorians, but I’m deeply, deeply grateful to them.”
The Australian Open takes place January 17-30 but while Thursday's news will be a relief to organizers and fans, it remains unclear what rules players will have to follow before and during the tournament.
Source: DPA
