One extra tournament and a slight delay of three others have been approved by officials to help support players who have been forced into strict quarantine ahead of the Australian Open.
72 players in Melbourne are currently prohibited from leaving their room for a 14-day period after they were deemed to be a close contact of somebody who has tested positive for COVID-19. A Series of flights en route to the city detected positive tests and all of those on board have been ordered to isolate by health officials. Among those affected are Victoria Azarenka, Sloane Stephens and Kei Nishikori.
In a bid to help support those who have been unable to train in recent days, Tennis Australia has confirmed that a third WTA event will take place during the week leading up to the first Grand Slam of the season. The Grampians Trophy will take place between February 3rd-7th and will only be open to those who have been affected by the quarantine. Like the other two, it will be classed as a WTA 500 event.
On the ATP Tour there will be no extra tournaments taking place but all three of their lead-up tournaments will start a day later. This applies to two ATP 250 events, as well as the ATP Cup.
“This has been a particularly challenging time for the athletes in hard lockdown and we, along with the WTA and ATP, aim to do everything we can to help,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said in a statement.
“These changes to the lead-in events have been made to give the 72 players a little bit of extra time to help them prepare. We also will prioritise them for things like practice sessions, gym and ice baths.”
Andrea Gaudenzi, who is the chairman of the ATP Tour, said players will also receive priority over practice and preparation. During strict quarantine all players have been provided with gym equipment that they can use in their rooms.
“We are eager to start what I am sure will be a fantastic summer of tennis in Melbourne in front of our great Australian fans.” said Gaudenzi.
In total six tournaments will take place prior to the Australian Open which will start on February 8th.
New schedule of events
