Why security has been boosted at the Australian Open this year - and what flags have been BANNED

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Fans attending this year's Australian Open at Melbourne Park can expect beefed-up security - and certain national flags have been banned.

Spectators will also see the unusual sight of police carrying semi-automatic rifles at the tournament, which starts on January 18.

It will be a similar feel to the Ashes cricket Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, where police carried high powered weapons in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack in December.

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.

They will compete in the Grand Slam as independent players, with their countries' flags replaced by white squares.

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 year

Russia and Belarusian flags are also banned at Melbourne Park due to the war in Ukraine 

Israeli and Palestinian flags are also banned, as no Israeli or Palestinian players are competing at this year's tournament. 

Tennis Australia released a statement on Tuesday which read: 'As in previous years, and in line with international sporting protocols, the Russian and Belarusian flags are not permitted on site. 

'Flags from competitors' countries can be displayed during their matches, as long as they meet the ticketing conditions, which are designed to ensure they don't create any disruption to fans around them.'

A Tennis Australia spokesperson also said safety for its guests was 'our utmost priority'.

'Although we don't comment on specifics, we do work closely with Victoria Police, the AFP, the venue, security contractors and experts in the field to ensure we have the best protocols in place,' the spokesperson said.

Additionally, a Critical Incident Response Team, trained to respond to major incidents and emergencies, will be present at entry points to Melbourne Park.

It comes as Tennis Australia will look to avoid the ugly scenes from last year's tournament, where fans and players faced off in heated moments.

American star Danielle Collins, who won't play at this year's event, was booed after winning a match in 2025.

Tennis fans can expect a similar police presence to the one at the Ashes cricket Test in Sydney earlier this month (pictured)

Some Aussie fans came under fire at last year's tournament for their wild behaviour (Daily Mail does not suggest anyone pictured acted inappropriately)

American Danielle Collins had a few run-ins with the fired up local crowd in 2025

Collins became public enemy No.1 in Melbourne when she gleefully wound up a raucous home crowd following her hard-fought win over local hope Destanee Aiava.

After winning, she cupped her hand to her ear and yelled 'How about that?' before blowing kisses to the crowd and slapping her backside.

She further wound them all up in her on-court interview - and later thanked them for the 'big fat pay cheque' that would go towards her next holiday.

British star Jack Draper said he suffered the 'worst abuse he'd ever experienced' while 10-time champion Novak Djokovic was jeered and booed after pulling out injured in the semi-finals.

Tennis great John McEnroe couldn't believe how scores of fans turned on the Serbian.

'He has won this [tournament] 10 times,' McEnroe said. 'Unreal.'

Tournament boss Craig Tiley said he was confident the Aussie crowd would allow the tournament to live up to its reputation as the 'Happy Slam'.

'They understand sport and they know events. We will be very clear – anyone that comes on the site at any time and wants to disrupt the enjoyment of the fan next to them or anywhere, will be removed from the site,' he said.