Armed police and banned flags reshape Australian Open
A different scene at Melbourne Park
Spectators attending the season’s first Grand Slam will notice a markedly different environment when play begins on January 18. Security arrangements have been strengthened and certain items are no longer permitted, reflecting both recent national security concerns and crowd management issues from previous tournaments.
According to the Daily Mail, the changes are designed to ensure safety while limiting disruptions inside the venue, even if that alters the traditionally relaxed atmosphere of the Australian Open.
Heightened police presence across the venue
Police will be stationed throughout Melbourne Park, including officers carrying semi automatic rifles. The approach mirrors security measures used at recent Ashes cricket Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.
The Daily Mail reported that the visible policing follows the Bondi Beach terror attack in December and forms part of broader precautionary settings now applied to major sporting events in Australia. Authorities view the presence as a deterrent and a way to ensure rapid response capability rather than routine intervention.
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Tennis Australia said its planning involved coordination with Victoria Police, federal agencies, venue management, and private security contractors.
Restrictions on national flags
Several national flags will not be allowed inside the grounds this year. Russian and Belarusian players are competing as neutral athletes, meaning their national flags and anthems will not be displayed because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“As in previous years, and in line with international sporting protocols, the Russian and Belarusian flags are not permitted on site,” Tennis Australia said in a statement, according to the Daily Mail.
Israeli and Palestinian flags are also banned. Tournament organisers explained that the restriction is linked to the absence of Israeli or Palestinian players in this year’s draw, rather than geopolitical positioning.
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Lessons drawn from last year’s crowd tensions
Organisers are also attempting to avoid a repeat of confrontations that overshadowed parts of the 2025 tournament. American player Danielle Collins, who is not competing this year, was booed by sections of the crowd after a victory in Melbourne. She later escalated the situation by engaging directly with spectators and referring to a “big fat pay cheque” during her remarks.
British player Jack Draper later described experiencing the “worst abuse he’d ever experienced”, while Novak Djokovic was jeered after withdrawing injured despite being a ten time champion at the event.
Tennis commentator John McEnroe reacted at the time by saying, “He has won this tournament 10 times. Unreal.”
Maintaining order while protecting the tournament’s image
Tournament director Craig Tiley said firm action would be taken against anyone disrupting others. “Anyone that comes on the site at any time and wants to disrupt the enjoyment of the fan next to them or anywhere, will be removed from the site,” he said.
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While acknowledging the stricter controls, Tiley said he remained confident the Australian Open would retain its reputation as the “Happy Slam”, even under heavier security and tighter enforcement.
Sources, Daily Mail
