Australian Open 2021 | Tennis stars are given permission to practice in quarantine before the Open

Several other male professionals tested positive for COVID-19 this year.

A source, well aware of the complex discussions surrounding quarantine practice, said that players are still expected to “strictly adhere” to the rules set by Tennis Australia and the Victorian government.

The players’ ability to practice in quarantine was one of the most important aspects of the negotiations between Tennis Australia, the Victorian government, and the ATP and WTA tours.

The ATP has informed the players that the quarantine period is expected to start on January 8, but has also advised them not to book a trip yet.

“There are currently strict restrictions on the number of people who can enter Australia. A possible (1) or two (2) week pushback of the Australian Open is still likely,” the statement said.

“The final definition of the COVID-19 protocols, tight contract procedures and player support teams will be released shortly.”

Victoria had 28 straight days with no new coronavirus cases on Friday. The government focused on holding the tournament and appeasing the players, but also making sure the virus didn’t recur after a long winter in lockdown.

Players were briefed on the development on Friday, and it was also made clear that there would be restrictions on the number of support staff they could bring with them.

The cancellation of the traditional Australian Open qualification remains possible, as does the tournament, which begins on January 25th and starts just a week later than planned.

If the tournament starts just a week later instead of two, the broadcasters and a host of international tournaments scheduled for February should better be pacified.

The ATP is expected to outline its calendar for the first quarter of 2021 early next week.

While players know they can practice in quarantine, few details have emerged as to where to stay in isolation for their 14 day stay or where to practice.

Government sources had hoped a decision on the timing and restrictions around tennis summer would be in place by Friday. However, tennis sources said more details needed to be worked out as the tournament date wasn’t even set in stone.

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Australian player John Millman is currently in 14 days of isolation and said this week that it would be almost impossible for players to compete in a Grand Slam after two weeks without training.

“You just can’t go on a two-week hard suspension to prepare for the Australian Open. I don’t think any of the international players would do that. Your body is what pays the bills. You are at risk of injury, you can’t go from scratch right away Going to 100 is the biggest risk, “Millman said.

“If the government decides they just can’t take that risk, the tournament probably won’t go on. That’s how I see it. With a tough ban, I just don’t see how the players would get involved after what they did . ” I was facing it for most of the year and how tennis works if we had to go that route. “

The Australian Open junior tournament has been canceled, while the ATP Cup – which successfully replaced the Hopman Cup in 2020 – will not take place. It is important that the events with wheelchair users also take place in Melbourne Park.

Before the end of the quarantine and the start of the Grand Slam, ATP and WTA tournaments are likely to take place so that the players can coordinate.

The players originally expected to be able to fly to Australia in early December and complete the quarantine, but this was hit on the head by the state government. The hotel quarantine program for returned travelers in Victoria will resume on December 7th.