Australian Open to start on February 8 as player COVID-19 measures confirmed

While the opening grand slam of the year will kick off on February 8, on-going issues from one particular group are the cause of continued delays and uncertainties.

Concerns over the number of tennis fans at Melbourne Park for the lead-up tournaments is delaying official confirmation of the Australian Open.

While the opening grand slam of the year will kick off on February 8, there are still some on-going issues from the state government around the movement of people relating to the tournament.

The health authorities are said to be "overly cautious" about what will happen when the international players and their entourages are released from their two-week hotel quarantine.

The ATP Cup teams event and four smaller tournaments - two men's and two women's - are planned for the week beginning February 1.

But what size crowds - if any - will be allowed into Melbourne Park for those events is still being debated.

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Nick Kyrgios could be back on court at the Australian Open on February 8.

It would seem logical that the tournaments would serve as a perfect dress rehearsal for the main event where it's hoped the crowd number would be between 25 and 50 per cent capacity.

Tennis Australia and the state government have reached agreement about the financial support being handed over given the enormous cost involved in putting on the event during these difficult COVID-19 times.

The multi-million dollar assistance package was needed given TA CEO Craig Tiley has assured the players they would pay for all quarantine costs, meals and accomodation as well as charter flights to Melbourne for them and their support staff.

As part of the deal Tennis Australia has agreed to extend its long-term contract with the state government by an extra three years to 2039.

All parties are hopeful of having confirmation of ticket prices and crowd size by the end of the week.

Roger Federer has sent a scare through organisers by admitting he might miss the Australian Open.

The 20-time grand slam champion says his recovery from two knee operations is taking longer than expected.

Federer, 39, has not played a competitive match since losing to Novak Djokovic in this year's semi-finals at Melbourne Park.

"I would have hoped that I would be 100 per cent in October. But I am still not today. It will be tight for the Australian Open," Federer said.

"It's a race against time for the Australian Open. I'm curious to see whether it will start on February 8.

"Of course, it would help if I had a bit more time."

World No.2 Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will be a starter in Australia.

After much deliberation the government has outlined a strict protocol for players which includes:

Australian Government Quarantine Conditions

Players must undertake a COVID test within 48 hours of departure to Australia

COVID testing will take place in the hotel room on days 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14

From Day 2, following a Day 1 negative test result, players will be able to access practice and gym facilities

-Players will take transport from their hotel for scheduled training for a total of 5 hours per day (2 hours on court, 2 hours in gym, 1 hour on site nutrition/dining)

All training, gym and nutrition/dining will take place at Melbourne Park and Albert Reserve Tennis Centres

When not training at the courts, players must remain in their room

Sofia Kenin gets a chance to defend her Australian Open title.

The format of the week after quarantine hasn’t been finalised but there will be multiple tournament match-play opportunities at a number of locations, potentially involving regional Victoria.

Tiley’s e-mail communication is understood to have been sent to players, agents and management teams.

The Tennis Australia chief also revealed the organisation would take a massive financial hit to put on the tournament under these special circumstances but would still outlay the entire $71 million prizemoney.

TA is believed to be staring at a $100m financial blowout with an estimated $40m required to cover the costs of biosecurity protocols.

“We know it hasn’t been easy for anyone in tennis,” Tiley said.

“We will also pay for charter flights, player and entourage quarantine costs, meals and accommodation.

Last year’s Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic. Picture: AFP

“Player accommodation will be covered for their entire stay until they are finished at the AO.

“We will pay the full $71m AO prize money and are working with the tours on a redistribution with large increases to the early rounds and a likely first round purse of $100k.

“Obviously Tennis Australia can’t do that without considerable financial pain. It won’t be easy. COVID-19 has hurt us financially this year similar to everyone else’s experience.

“As mentioned, to remain solvent we are going to have to take a large loan and line of credit. But we think it is critical for global tennis, the player group and the fans that the AO proceeds to help stave off any potential atrophy in our sport.

“Amid so much ongoing global uncertainty, we think the clean bill of health in Melbourne is a unique opportunity for our sport, players and fans to show the world tennis is alive and full of hope and promise regardless of the pandemic.”