Crowd boos as fans sent packing from Rod Laver Arena under Victoria's new COVID restrictions
All remaining spectators at Melbourne Park have been sent home as Victoria's new lockdown restrictions come into effect.
It was a remarkable moment when the news was announced to the straggling crowd during Novak Djokovic's clash with Taylor Fritz, inviting a torrent of boos from keen tennis fans.
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Midway through the fourth set, the umpire read out an official announcement from Tennis Australia which explained their procedure for ushering fans out of Rod Laver Arena.
Spectators are asked to leave Rod Laver Arena during the third round match between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and United States' Talyor Fritz at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 AP
"In line with Victorian Government restrictions, all Melbournians must be at home by 23:59 AEDT tonight," the statement read.
"Fans inside RLA will be required to leave the arena before 23:30 AEDT. Please note there may be a stoppage in play while the fans exit."
While fans jeered and booed as they were ushered out of the venue, it was music to Djokovic's ears who was copping an earful from a hostile crowd as underdog Fritz launched a sensational comeback.
Play was halted while fans exited the premises.
