Imagine getting ready to watch a tennis match. You grab your tickets, pack some snacks, and head out the door. But wait—did you check your outfit for enough pockets? Sounds bizarre, right? Yet, this is precisely the quirky reality of the tournament where Rafael Nadal has made his grand comeback. Yes, you heard that right. The venue has a peculiar but amusing rule that emphasizes the importance of pockets.

The Spanish tennis star has returned to the tennis courts after a long hiatus that extended over a month. He played his first match this month at the ongoing Swedish Open after his defeat at the Roland Garros. He defeated Leo Borg in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. However, the absurd rule at the venue seems to steal away the spotlight from Rafa as spectators are mulling over how and what to carry at the venue. 

In a June 27th press release, which is now going viral, the Swedish Open organizers decided to ban spectators from carrying bags at the venue. “Due to the increased terror threat level, the Swedish Police Authority has decided to impose a bag ban at major events in Sweden. This applies to Nordea Open and will be applicable between the 7th to the 21st of July,” the order read. But, it has some bizarre angles attached to it.

In the FAQ section of the order, the authorities seem to have given immense importance to pockets! If anyone who wishes to attend a match at the venue has a question about what they can carry, the authorities have an interesting answer. “You can bring items that fit in your pocket or can be held in your hand, for example tickets/water bottles. Bags with a strap or bumbags are not allowed.”

Spectators are allowed to carry toiletry bags and women’s sanitary products only if they fit within pockets. However, the organizers have given some restrictions. The organizers have allowed its spectators to carry medical bags and diaper bags. However, a “medical certificate may need to be shown upon request” for the medicine bags that a visitor intends to carry. 

As usual, this is not the first time that a ban like this has amazed the tennis supporters. In the French Open that took place between May end and June, the audience were agitated after the organizers decided to impose an alcohol ban. The decision was taken following complaints from several players about unruly behavior from the fans in the stands.

The bag ban at the Nordea Open has created a major buzz in the tennis community. But the skepticism of tournament organizers is not new about bags, as several other major events have imposed similar bans.

Different tournaments, different rules, different bags!

In the recently concluded Wimbledon, spectators were not allowed to carry bags that was bigger than 40cm x 30cm x 30cm. Besides, hard-sided containers/bags – such as picnic hampers or cool boxes, were also prohibited to the venue. The rules are similar to the US Open.

The organizers did not allow any backpacks other than single-compartment drawstring bags. Besides any large bags are also not allowed inside the venue. As far as the French Open is concerned, backpacks were allowed inside the venue but a restriction on its size was imposed. Only bags with a capacity of 15 liters or less were allowed inside.

As the season progresses and the sport evolves, it will be interesting to see if other organizers also follow a similar trend like the Swedish Open. Will the fans be happy? Hard question to answer!