Australian Open boss Craig Tiley says he’s concerned for athlete safety during the Olympics

After managing the Australian Open, tournament boss Craig Tiley has now been contacted by Olympics chiefs — and has raised one major concern.

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley has raised concerns over athlete safety during the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

Tiley confirmed he had been contacted by Olympics chiefs after the successful management of this tournament, but he had relayed some doubts over the handling of athletes.

“Yeah they have called.’’ Tiley said at the AO Inspirational Series lunch at Melbourne Park.

“I have been a bit critical of the playbook because I haven’t seen anything in it that 100 per cent can provide the security that the athletes need and that they’re not going to be considered close contacts in the athlete bubble.

“When I said that, I got a bit of a whack directly from them but I just wanted to challenge and push them. They’ve got at least 10 times what we have.”

Tiley said there needed to be a lengthy period of time before the Games begin to ensure everyone was healthy.

“I just challenged them to make sure that any athlete that goes into the village has been through a period of time — they’re not carrying the virus or incubating because one athlete can ruin someone’s lifetime opportunity and they never get to compete again,’’ he said.

“If someone goes in and becomes a close contact they’re out. You have a period of time before that to make sure.”

Australian Open tennis tournament chief Craig Tiley

Tiley said he was proud of how Tennis Australia had managed the COVID situation.

“One thing I’ve learned on this journey, we thought we had it all nailed but we didn’t,’’ he said.

“It’s a constant avalanche of stuff. I’m very proud, six weeks ago we brought in a little over 1000 people from over 123 countries on 17 charter flights into 14 days of quarantine. Out of that group we had 10 positive cases and one was an athlete and they were moved into a medi hotel. Then we had 72 athletes who were considered close contacts.

“It’s been a massive team effort and I’m incredibly proud of our team and the work they’ve done. I said at the beginning, if we can achieve this as a team and get this done there’s nothing we won’t be able to do.

“Crowds and athletes from every hot spot and no community transmission as a result of our event, it will be a massive achievement.”