The head of Tennis Australia has said he is confident that ‘finalise details’ about the 2021 Australian Open will be published within days.
Craig Tiley is currently in negotiations with the Victorian government over the staging of the Grand Slam event, which is likely to be delayed by a couple weeks. Original plans for players to travel to the country in December weren’t given approval by the local government and instead they will have to arrive from January 1st. Players will then have to go through a 14-day quarantine process in which it is expected that they will be allowed to train but not play competitive matches.
“Tennis Australia continues to work closely and productively with the Victorian Government and we are confident we will be in a position to finalise details for Australian Open 2021 very soon,” Tiley said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We are also in constant communication with the global tennis community, including the Tours, the players and their teams, as we consult with them on plans for the event and how players can safely practise and prepare for a Grand Slam tournament under the Victorian Government’s proposed quarantine conditions.”
Due to the delay in arrivals, it is viewed by many that the Australian Open start date of January 18th is no longer possible. There are also question marks over what will happen to other tennis tournaments set to be played in the country. Tennis Australia had originally planned for a series of events to be relocated to Melbourne where they would take place prior and even potentially after the major.
“Understandably there has been public speculation on the various plans under consideration as well as the many confidential conversations that have taken place and our position remains clear – everything will require approval and agreement from the Victorian Government before it can be confirmed,” Tiley commented.
Earlier this week The Age newspaper reported that two or three hotels will be used for the player bubble, according to their sources. Similar to this year’s US Open, those attending the Australian Open will be restricted as to where they can go and only allowed to travel between their accommodation and the tournament venue or practice courts. It has also been reported that the possibility of private housing for players is unlikely to be allowed.
Victoria state sports minister Martin Pakula has reiterated his belief that the Australian Open will still go ahead during the early part of next year despite the setbacks in recent weeks.
“Given the health and quarantine protocols that players and support staff will have to adhere to, we understand that Tennis Australia needs to have in-depth discussions with the ATP and WTA, and we support them taking the time to do that thoroughly,” said Pakula.
Last month it was confirmed that the Australian Open junior tournament has been cancelled and will be moved to later in the year. It is still unclear if the qualifying rounds will be played or not.
