Australian Open director: ‘Every fan is here to have a good time and if that gets disrupted for any reason, we won’t tolerate it’

A beefed up police and security presence is targeting people carrying flags of multiple countries at Melbourne Park as part of a zero tolerance approach against protesters.

A Russian flag displayed by spectators at a 2023 Australian Open match. Picture: AAP

Protesters have been warned they will be handed over to police with a hard line approach taken against anyone disrupting the Australian Open.

A beefed up police and security presence has been rolled out at Melbourne Park, with Palestinian, Israeli, Russian and Belarusian flags banned as event organisers strive to keep the Grand Slam trouble free.

Australian Open director Craig Tiley told the Herald Sun security and police would target protesters and troublemakers, after weeks of city protests bringing the CBD to a standstill.

“If anyone comes on site with the specific intent to disrupt the enjoyment and the safety of our fans then they are not welcome and they will be removed,’’ he said.

At last year’s Australian Open a Russian flag was unfurled during a match featuring Ukrainian player Kateryna Baindl. Picture: Twitter

“Protests et cetera, we leave in the hands of our security partners, particularly the Victorian police and they are well versed, experienced and really good at managing that.’’

It comes after Ukraine world No. 93 Dayana Yastremska used her post-match winner’s speech in Melbourne on Monday to say: “I am proud of Ukraine. Proud of the people. Proud of the warriors’’.

“When I was in Brisbane, before my match, a rocket arrived on my grandmother’s house,’’ she said.

“It was hard to play.

“We need to remember and give as much support as possible to Ukraine.’’

Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska mentioned the war in Ukraine in her post-match winner’s speech. Picture: AFP

Despite the threat of big fines and court conviction, environmental and refugee rights activists have previously disrupted the Open with protests.

Mr Tiley said with more than 900,000 fans set to attend the tennis “you are going to have your challenges’’ but protests would not be tolerated.

“The expectation is onsite that every fan is here to have a good time and if that gets disrupted for any reason, we won’t tolerate it,’’ he said.

Victoria Police also vowed to take a no-nonsense approach to anyone trying to stage protests at the tennis, as the eyes of the world turn to Melbourne for 15 days.

Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan (left) was embroiled in a Russian flag controversy at last year’s Australian Open. Picture: Supplied

“Victoria Police is expecting the Australian Open this year to be a safe and respectful event for everyone,’’ it said in a statement.

“As usual, there will be a highly visible police presence in Melbourne Park and surrounding areas to ensure people can enjoy the event safely.’’

Police’s preparation and planning for the security and safety of fans attending the Open had “been extensive.”

A man was arrested by police in Batman Ave, near Melbourne Park, as crowds flocked to the Open on Monday morning.

“Officers responded to reports of the man acting erratically,’’ police said.

“The 44-year-old Cranbourne man was given a direction to move on by officers about 11.45am however he failed to comply.

“He was taken back to a police station regarding unrelated outstanding matters and released pending further inquiries.’’

Police late on Tuesday said there had been no “incidents of note’’ had been reported in the first two days of the Open.