A large group of men have been banned from the Australian Open for 24 hours after setting off flares on their way to the tournament's opening day.
The group was denied entry after flares were set off just outside a ticket booth on Monday.
Two men lit flares as they walked among a group of about 15 men along Birrarung Marr, a park beside the tournament site's perimeter.
EXCLUSIVE... WATCH: Fans throwing flares disrupt the start of the Australian Open #TenNews #Melbourne #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/4Wlyp3pIdS
— Ten News Melbourne (@tennewsmelb) January 16, 2017
Victoria Police said no arrests were made, but the men were denied entry to the Open.
"The group of about 15 men aged in their 20s were spotted by police, ripping a flare in Birrarung Marr as they made their way to the tennis about 10.30am," a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
"The men have been denied entry to the venue and their tickets refunded."
Australian Open organisers said they had zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour at the family-friendly event.
"This group was intercepted by police before they entered the precinct and issued with a penalty," said Tom Larner, Tennis Australia Director of Events and Facilities.
"Although the Major Sporting Event Act only allows for a 24-hour ban, our ticketing terms and conditions give us the right to refuse entry, and we've told this group they will not be welcome back."
Police have warned they will be patrolling Melbourne Park to prevent disruptive behaviour and ensure spectator welfare.
Superintendent Peter O'Neill said police would not tolerate anti-social behaviour.
"The vast majority of attendees at the Australian Open are simply there to enjoy some world class tennis," he said.
"But anyone caught causing trouble at the event can expect to be evicted or even face charges under the Major Sporting Events Act."
Surely if spectators have let off flares out the front of Melbourne Park they deserve more than a 24 hour ban. It's time to get serious!
— tony jones (@TJch9) January 16, 2017
Superintendent O'Neill said security arrangements were in place to help with crowd and traffic management, but asked for patience as spectators make their way through security gates.
The Australian Open runs from 16 to 29 January.
With AAP