Australian Open to continue despite Melbourne lockdown
The Australian Open will continue despite Melbourne being placed in lockdown for the next five days.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Friday confirmed Melbourne would be locked down from midnight.
Nick Kyrgios is due to face third seed Dominic Thiem on Friday night.Credit:Getty Images
Melbourne Park was relatively quiet on Friday but the call to ban fans from attending matches will create an interesting scenario tonight, when Nick Kyrgios faces Dominic Thiem in front of a sold-out John Cain Arena.
If Kyrgios’ clash with Thiem stretches to five sets, fans could be asked to leave the stadium as the match reaches its climax.
The Victorian government will enforce rules similar to those in place during Melbourne’s second wave over the next five days.
But professional athletes have been deemed essential workers.
“Professional athletes are defined as essential workers, venues hosting professional sporting competitors can open, with essential staff attending to ensure the safe running of the event. No spectators.”
More to come
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