(Reuters) - As boisterous crowds made way for deafening silence at the Australian Open on Saturday, players did not have to do too much adjusting as they abruptly switched back to the "new normal" of the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities allowed the Australian Open to continue but without the presence of fans. For the first five days, the Australian Open, despite its reduced capacity, had transported the sport back to pre-pandemic times with fans in the stands - unlike the last six months when just a spattering of them were allowed at a few tournaments. Seven-times Grand Slam winner Mats Wilander did not believe that lack of fans would impact quality of play. 'IT'S ONLY MENTAL'Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas is one of those who enjoy the vociferous support from the stands at the Australian Open with the presence of the huge Greek community in Melbourne.

Source: The Star February 13, 2021 10:41 UTC