What you need to know about the first major of the year at Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, from security measures, to flags, to crowd behaviour; Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka
This stance was confirmed by Tennis Australia on Tuesday. A spokesman said: “The rules have not changed and entry requirements are the same. As in previous years, in accordance with international sporting protocols, Russian and Belarusian flags are not allowed on the field. Flags of rival countries may be displayed during their matches as long as they meet ticketing conditions designed to not disturb fans around them.”
More importantly, “flags of non-competing nations” are also among the prohibited items in the “ticket sales and entry conditions” document, a detail added for 2026. Last year, it was stated that only “flags, banners, signs with dimensions larger than 180 cm x 90 cm or with handles longer than 50 cm” were banned, and this article is still valid in 2026.
Last year, a fan was waving the Ukrainian flag during the fourth round match between Elina Svitolina and Veronika Kudermetova.Credit: Getty Images
What will the security situation be like?
Tennis Australia did not comment directly on whether security had been “increased” this year.
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But a spokesman said: “The safety of everyone on site at the Australian Open is our top priority. While we do not comment on details, we are working closely with Victoria Police, the AFP, the venue, security contractors and experts in the field to ensure we have the best protocols in place.”
Victoria Police will deploy more resources, including specialist police with semi-automatic rifles, as part of Victoria Police’s “more open approach to ensuring community safety at major events”.
Critical Incident Response Team members will patrol key entry points into Melbourne Park. The team is specifically trained to respond to major incidents and emergencies and carries out special patrols in the Melbourne CBD. The semi-automatic rifles they will carry are part of their normal tactical equipment.
This presence will be in addition to the usual police arrangements for the Australian Open, including extra police and PSOs as well as specialist units in the Melbourne Park area.
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Deputy commissioner of regional operations Bob Hill said the added security in Boxing Day testing, which lasted just two days, was “well received”.
“We know they will provide the same reassurance to tennis fans and the many visitors the Australian Open attracts,” he said.
“It is based on the current operational environment and there is absolutely no new threat to this incident.
“The Australian Open is an important card for our city and we want to make sure we do everything possible so people can enjoy the tournament safely.”
What about crowd behavior?
Interaction between fans and players has become a hot topic after several high-profile incidents last year, and tournament organizers are at pains to emphasize that any disruptive behavior affecting the enjoyment of other users will not be tolerated.
American player Danielle Collins, who is not taking part in the draw this year and instead works as a Tennis Channel commentator, played the part of the pantomime villain by kissing her hand and slapping them on the back as she told the screaming fans to “shut up” between the first and second serves.
British actor Jack Draper described his experiences as follows: the worst abuse she ever experiencedbut on this occasion he was successful. And not only did Djokovic get tired of yelling as players prepared to serve, he was booed and booed when he exited the tournament. After injured players withdraw from semi-finals. John McEnroe was horrified. “He won this [tournament] 10 times,” McEnroe said. “It’s unreal.”
Tournament boss Craig Tiley said the event’s security team had been given clear instructions to take swift action against any misconduct.
“I have a lot of confidence and trust, especially in our Australian fans,” Tiley said.
“They understand the sport and they know the events. We will be very clear; anyone who comes to the site at any time and wants to spoil the fun of the fans next to them or anywhere else will not be welcome and will be removed from the site.
“Our security team is very good and they are instructed to do this quickly, but we have no tolerance for disruptive behaviour.”
