Australian Open: Crowd capacity increased to 80 per cent for finals

Crowd capacity for the Australian Open finals has been increased to 80 per cent ahead of the weekend’s deciders.

Ash Barty will face Danielle Collins in the women’s final on Saturday, and crowd limitations – in place due to the coronavirus pandemic – have been loosened.

The tournament originally started with a 50 per cent capacity before being increased to 65, but it was announced on Friday that had been raised again to 80.

“Back on Twitter again (it’s really nicer away from here), but.. I’m pleased to advise that following consideration of a request from Tennis Australia for a higher cap, the ticketed capacity of the AO has been increased to 80 per cent for the finals on Saturday & Sunday,” Martin Pakula, the Victorian government minister for major events and sport, wrote on Twitter.

Back on Twitter again (it’s really nicer away from here), but..

I’m pleased to advise that following consideration of a request from Tennis Australia for a higher cap, the ticketed capacity of the AO has been increased to 80% for the finals on Saturday & Sunday    

That is a boost for Barty, who is aiming to become the first local to win the Australian Open singles since 1978.

The winners of Rafael Nadal-Matteo Berrettini and Daniil Medvedev-Stefanos Tsitsipas will meet in the men’s final.