Roof
The decision to close an arena roof rests solely with the tournament referee. Roofs on Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Melbourne Arena can be closed in the event of rain or the Extreme Heat Policy being invoked prior to the scheduled start of play. If play commences with a roof closed, it will remain closed for the entire match.
Extreme Heat Policy (EHP)
The Australian Open will implement the AO Heat Stress Scale at AO19.
The Heat Stress Scale will be used to measure four climate factors - radiant heat (strength of the sun), air temperature in the shade, relative humidity and wind speed. These will be measured at five positions around the precinct, including on court in Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Melbourne Arena. The scale starts at (1) for temperate playing conditions and escalates to (5) - suspension of play.
Under the EHP, the Tournament Referee will allow a 10-minute break between the second and third sets in both women’s and junior singles matches and a 15-minute break in wheelchair singles matches when a four (4.0) is recorded on the AO HSS prior to or during the first two sets of the match.
In the men’s singles a 10-minute break will be allowed after the third set when a four (4.0) is recorded on the AO HSS prior to or during the first-three sets of the match.
If a five (5.0) is recorded on the AO HSS, the Tournament Referee can suspend the start of matches on outside courts and all matches in progress continuing until the end of an even number games in that set or completion of the tie break before play will be suspended.
Matches on Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and Melbourne Arena will stop after an even number of games in that set or completion of the tie break when the Tournament Referee can decide to close the roof for the remainder of the match and the following matches, when the EHP is still in effect.
Seat Minding
Patrons are not allowed to hold seats for more than three (3) changes of ends on all outdoor courts.
This excludes reserved seating in RLA and MCA.
Pass-outs can be collected from all doors (1-8) and must be returned to Patron Services staff member on re-entry. Pass-outs will be marked with the time of exit, door number and if applicable, match number.
Illegal gambling and match-fixing
Tennis Australia has a recognised role in protecting and maintaining the integrity of tennis. There is a zero-tolerance policy on illegal gambling, match-fixing and the communication of sensitive information that may affect the outcome of a match. All reported instances are investigated.