Australian Open: 80 percent spectator capacity for the final weekend
The final weekend at the Australian Open will take place with a further increased capacity. Above all, Ash Barty, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis can look forward to an 80 percent occupancy rate in the Rod Laver Arena on Saturday.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Jan 28, 2022, 10:49 am
The year is 1978: Christine O'Neil wins her first and only career title at a Grand Slam tournament against Betsy Nagelsen. And of all things at her home Grand Slam Down Under. Now, 44 years later, the course is set for a repeat: High-flyer Ash Barty is only missing a win for the historic home win at the Australian Open, a win against surprise finalist Danielle Collins.
This special day for Australian tennis will now apparently take place in front of a special backdrop in the Rod Laver Arena. As it became known on Friday, not only will 65 percent of the seats in the facility's largest stadium be occupied, but the capacity limit caused by COVID-19 was raised to 80 percent at short notice. Tennis Australia was able to obtain this upward adjustment from the responsible government.
Kyrgios/Kokkinakis in doubles final
This also means that surprise finalists Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis in men's doubles can look forward to the biggest backdrop to their matches to date. The two local heroes, whose appearances in pair skating have so far guaranteed a great, but sometimes borderline atmosphere in the stands, will meet Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell in the all-Australian final. A festive mood should be guaranteed here.
With that, however, Australia isn't really staying true to its COVID-19 lineage. The first major event of the year started with a maximum occupancy rate of 50 percent in the Rod Laver Arena, so this will now be increased to a whopping 80 percent for the final days. And this amid the strongest COVID wave the state of Victoria has faced during the pandemic, the 7-day average currently stands at just over 14,000 cases. It should of course also be noted that the peak of the current wave with over 38,000 cases (January 12) seems to have already been overcome.
The finals planned for Sunday, above all the men's final, will also be played with 80 percent capacity.
laver arena