Australian Open could have February 8 start date
The Australian Open is set to slide to February 8 pending the sign-off of harsh quarantine conditions by the world’s best tennis players.
The Australian Open is set to slide to February 8 pending the sign-off of harsh quarantine conditions by the world’s best tennis players.
According to a report in France’s L’Equipe newspaper, players would be allowed to train during their lockdown but only for a maximum of five hours per day.
The arrival date for international players is set to now be between January 15-17, with the end of the mandatory 14-day hotel-room quarantine due to end by January 31, the original end date of the tournament.
L’Equipe reports that unless the players and the ATP sign off on the quarantine conditions, there is a chance the grand slam tournament could be cancelled.
“The negotiations (between the government and Tennis Australia), punctuated by the fierce desire not to re-import to the country a coronavirus which has completely disappeared, are on the verge of being concluded,” the paper reported.
Players are said to only be allowed to practice with the same partner during their five-hour outing from quarantine plus one coach per player.
And should any of the group then test positive for the virus, they would immediately go into full lockdown.
“The ATP on Tuesday surveyed the players to let them determine themselves (the constraints that will be necessary for the holding of this Australian Open,” L’Equipe said,
“Depending on the position of the players and the final decisions of the Victorian government, the Australian Open could therefore still see its 2021 edition cancelled.
“In which case the tournaments scheduled for February and March, in Europe, South America and in the United States, could take place on the dates initially planned.
“Conversely, if Melbourne ends up finding a way to accommodate the entire tennis world in January and February, there will be a whole calendar to urgently rebuild.”
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley revealed on Tuesday that the possibility of the Australian Open not going ahead was still an option that had to be considered.
He then later released a statement saying negotiations with the State Government were close to being finalised.
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