Fans attending this year's Australian Open at Melbourne Park can expect beefed-up security - and certain national flags have been banned. While Russian and Belarusian tennis players are free to compete at the tournament, their flags and anthems are banned due to the war in Ukraine. And because no players will be technically representing Russia or Belarus, those two flags are banned at Melbourne Park this year. Israeli and Palestinian flags are banned at the Australian Open because no Israeli or Palestinian players are competing at the tournament this yearRussia and Belarusian flags are also banned at Melbourne Park due to the war in UkraineIsraeli and Palestinian flags are also banned, as no Israeli or Palestinian players are competing at this year's tournament. Additionally, a Critical Incident Response Team, trained to respond to major incidents and emergencies, will be present at entry points to Melbourne Park.

Source: Daily Mail January 14, 2026 10:42 UTC