The Australian Open could be postponed for a few weeks to bring tennis stars into the country as the tournament organizers have “urgent” talks with the Victorian state government.
Tennis Australia CEO and Tournament Director Craig Tiley said they were hoping to announce the launch date as soon as possible to give players peace of mind about when to travel and when fans can buy tickets for the two-week event.
Due to quarantine requirements – such as the two-week quarantine on arrival for international travelers – the tournament is unlikely to begin on January 18. Age At the beginning of February, the expected start date, possibly February 1st, is now displayed.
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“Our goal is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform well and the fans to enjoy their efforts – all in an environment that is safe for everyone involved,” said Tiley.
“We are working closely with the Victorian government on a plan that takes into account the needs of players, fans, our partners and employees, and that will be of great benefit to the Victorian and Australian economies.
“We are continuing our urgent discussions with the local health authorities about quarantine and biosecurity requirements and are confident that we will make a decision soon.
“Tennis Australia is very aware of the need for security, but also of the solution with the state government that ensures the safety of the entire community.”
Victorian Prime Minister Dan Andrews said discussions were complex, even as international arrivals resumed on December 7th.
“This is a very important event and we are working closely with Tennis Australia (on) on it,” said Andrews.
“They are talking to their global partners, media partners (and sponsors) in turn, and if we have to make an announcement, we will make it.”
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal urged patience as he prepared for the Australian Open after losing his last four-man game at the ATP final in London on Saturday.
The Spaniard, who has never won the elite eight-man event, was won by the formidable Russian Daniil Medvedev, who will face Dominic Thiem in the final on Sunday, with 3: 6, 7: 6 (7: 4) and 6: 3 beaten.
Australian tennis bosses this week announced “new challenges” related to the arrival of players for the first Grand Slam of the year during the coronavirus pandemic.
In agreement with the players, the ATP – the men’s tennis tour – said the arrivals originally scheduled for December are now uncertain and may disrupt the full January schedule.
For players facing a 14-day quarantine, any delay could make it difficult to hold the high-profile ATP Cup and other tournaments ahead of the scheduled start of the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 18.
It is also unclear whether players will be allowed to train during their quarantine.
The great Medvedev advances
0:57
Nadal, who had not traveled to the US Open in New York this year, was asked after his loss to Medvedev if there were any circumstances in which he would not travel to Melbourne.
“I don’t know what the situation will be yet,” he said. “We have to wait and see what the (state) government there in Victoria says.
“There isn’t much we can do or just wait from the ATP position. We have no one to tell what they think is better for their country.
“We just have to be patient and accept the situation we are faced with. It’s difficult for everyone. We have to be flexible to understand the situation and find a way to play as many tournaments as possible next year. “
Zverev falls on Djokovic
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The 20-time Grand Slam champion said players and tournaments were in an unusual position after so much disruption as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Hopefully the vaccine will end soon and we can go back to almost normal in a few months, but now is a difficult situation,” he said.
This year’s Wimbledon was canceled for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19, while the French Open, which Nadal won, was postponed four months to September / October.
– with AFP
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