All remaining spectators at Melbourne Park have been sent home as Victoria's new lockdown restrictions come into effect.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
"In line with Victorian Government restrictions, all Melbournians must be at home by 23:59 AEDT tonight," the statement read. <\/p>\n
"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."<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Play was halted while fans exited the premises. <\/p>\n
MORE TO COME. <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"