Austrian crowd limits could be hurdle for Vienna ATP

October’s ATP indoor event in Vienna could run into the same crowd size problem currently facing Roland Garros if the COVID-19 situation in the Austrian capital does not improve.

With just over a month to go before the October 26 start, Vienna organisers have some time on their side to hope things come good.

Original hopes were for capacity 5,000 visitors per match day, but this was cut in half by government order.

Now the limit has been reduced even further to 1,500 per session at the event where US Open winner Dominic Thiem is expected to headline.

It’s all a family affair at the Stadthalle, with TD Herwig Straka also conveniently the manager of ATP No. 3 Thiem.

“Over the past weeks and months, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Erste Bank Open takes place despite the huge challenges that the current situation entails,” Straka said.

“It was important to us to maintain continuity with this year’s event, after all, the tournament has been one of the most important sporting events in Austria since 1974. 

“We also want to give the home fans confidence that in sport there will be a perspective to be able to attend major events again.”