So much effort has probably never been made for a tennis tournament: In terms of logistics and costs, the upcoming three weeks should be postponed Australian Open (February 8th – 21st) set a new record, well worth discussing.
After all, the organizers have already had more than 1,200 professionals and team members from seven cities on 17 specially booked charter flights Melbourne transported – in order to minimize the risk of infection and to comply with the strict corona requirements in Down Under to be able to meet. The entire event alone costs the organizers more than 25 million euros Bubble-Concept.
But despite all the effort, 72 players – including Germany’s top player Angelique Kerber – had to go into a tough lockdown and are not allowed to leave their hotel room for 14 days. The reason: Despite all the safety measures, Covid 19 infected people were on their flights.
Thiem: “There is a complete inequality of opportunity”
While all other professionals were able to train five hours a day during their quarantine, the completely isolated have to somehow see in their rooms that they can maintain the fitness level they have worked out in preparation.
After the strict quarantine has ended, they only have one week to focus on the first Grand-Slam– Prepare for tournament. “I think it’s clear that there is a complete inequality of opportunity.”, said the world number three Dominic Thiem of the sports show.
The organizers of the Australian Open and the Women’s Tennis Association (Tennis Association">WTA) have now reacted to these extremely unfortunate circumstances and with the “Grampians Trophy“(February 3rd – 7th) a women’s tournament of the 500 series for the isolated players at very short notice “Melborne Summer Series” added. 28 individual players will take part in this event.
DTB sports director Eberhard: Training under match conditions
“Matches are always good. And I think that’s training under match conditions “, says Klaus Eberhard, sports director of the German Tennis Federation (Tennis Bund">BTD) the sports show. “If you win a few rounds, that’s all the better for the players. And if not, you can continue training. The players should see it that way too. “Eberhard also sees another advantage: “Participation does not involve travel for the players.”
This means that the Grand-SlamPlant in Melbourne with the “Gippsland Trophy“, the “Yarra Valley Classic“(both from January 31 to February 6, each with 54 individual participants and 28 double teams) and the”Grampians Trophy“three top-class ladies’ tournaments ahead of the Australian Open occur. “Our most important goal at Tennis Australia and the Tennis Association">WTA was to be as fair as possible to the players coming out of a tough quarantine “said Tennis Professionals">ATP-Chef Andrea Gaudenzi.
Less changes for men
With the men, however, (almost) everything stays the same. The number of participants in the two planned 250 tournaments “Murray River Open“, the “Great Ocean Road Open“will be increased to 56 individual participants and postponed by 24 hours (from February 1st to 7th). Also the ATP Cup (February 2nd – 6th) takes place one day later.
This also gives more professionals the opportunity to better focus on the men Grand-Slam– Prepare for tournament. These competitions are also held at the Melbourne facility.
“This has been an especially challenging time for the athletes who are in tough lockdown and we want to go along with that Tennis Association">WTA and Tennis Professionals">ATP do everything possible to help “, said Craig Tiley, director of the Australian Open Tournament.
Stand: 25.01.2021, 19:54
