Australian Open COVID-19 rules and restrictions: What do fans and players need to do at 2023 event?

It’s been nearly three years since COVID-19 started to significantly affect the world and its presence is still a factor when Australian Open 2023 is played through the back half of January.

The last two Grand Slam’s in Australia have been hindered by the global pandemic, with superstar Novak Djokovic kicked out of the country last year for not being vaccinated.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise once again, will the disease have any impact on the Australian Open.

The Sporting News investigates.

MORE: Could the Australian Open start date change? Craig Tiley addresses ‘bizarre’ schedule claim ahead of 2023 Grand Slam tournament

Will there be any COVID-19 restrictions and rules on tennis fans?

At this stage, in a fluid situation, tennis fans attending Melbourne Park for the Australian Open will not be subject to any rules or requirements regarding COVID-19.

This means there will be no proof of vaccine needed, no compulsory masks and no crowd caps, in measures that have been implemented in previous years.

Tennis Australia have asked that fans follow government recommendations if they test positive for COVID-19 and self-isolate for at least five days.

There is expected to be over 900,000 fans going through the gates at Melbourne Park across the two weeks.

Will there be any COVID-19 restrictions and rules on players and staff?

There will no mandatory COVID-19 testing requirements for players and staff, but those who feel unwell are recommended to stay at home.

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley revealed there could be a situation where a player competes with COVID, much like Australian cricket player Matt Renshaw did in the recent Test against South Africa.

“We’ve made it clear to our players, as well as our over 12,000 staff. We ask if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home,” Tiley said.

“It’s a normalised environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with COVID.

“We just wanted to follow what’s currently in the community.

“We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you’re ill, and that our medical staff – Dr Karen Holzer is the best in the business – she will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well.”