Australian Open a no-go if we can’t train in iso: tennis star John Millman

The Australian Open could be delayed until at least February as organisers continue ‘urgent’ talks with the Victorian government.

John Millman and girlfriend Fee Maeueler in quarantine at the Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney on Sunday. Picture: Jane Dempster

The Australian Open could be delayed until at least February as event organisers continue “urgent” negotiations with the Victorian government, and with players warning the grand slam could only proceed if they were allowed to train in quarantine.

Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said he expected to know the start date of the tournament “within the next two weeks”, as discussions with the government over quarantining and biosecurity requirements continued.

“We are working closely with the Victorian government on a plan that takes into account the needs of the players, fans, our partners and staff, and is of major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economies,” Mr Tiley said.

Despite tickets originally scheduled to go on sale for the January 18 event on Thursday, a failure to reach an agreement will delay the tournament until February — or possibly March.

It would be the first time the Open has been played outside of January since 1987.

With no date finalised, players are split about whether they should be given special exemptions in quarantine arrangements. John Millman, last month elected to the ATP Tour Player Council, said the Open would have to be cancelled if players were forced to sit in Melbourne hotel rooms before playing difficult best-of-five-set matches on hard courts.

“Gauging the temperature among the players, if we were to sit in a hotel room for two weeks and then go out and play, you just can’t do it,” said Millman, who is now in quarantine in Sydney for two weeks after a four-month overseas tour that included the US Open and French Open.

“We’re not taking the knocks they’re taking at the footy but it’s still a pretty physical game and you lose a fair bit of conditioning in those two weeks.

“I think the players will be pretty satisfied if they can train in a quarantine bubble environment. Going from hotels to the courts and back to the hotel in a closed environment … that can work if the government gives us that tick of approval,” he said.

Millman’s comments follow those from Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal — the world No.1 and No.2 respectively — who were split on whether players should get special dispensation.

Nadal on Sunday said players should be “patient and accept the situation”, while Djokovic last week said he hoped to be allowed to play before the Open began.

“We need to be flexible to understand the situation and to find a way to play as many tournaments as possible next year,” Nadal said at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Mr Tiley, in a statement on Sunday, said Tennis Australia was “doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible”. “Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform at their best and the fans to enjoy their efforts — all in an environment that is safe for all concerned,” he said.

“We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and biosecurity requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon.

“Tennis Australia is acutely aware of the need for certainty, but also conscious of reaching a solution with the state government that ensures the safety of the entire community.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday that the timing had not been decided.

Tennis Australia had hoped players could arrive next month to begin quarantine, although discussions were continuing around the nature of the quarantine arrangements.

Mr Tiley in August rejected suggestions the Open could move to another state, saying he was “committed” to Melbourne Park despite offers from NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

Mr Andrews said having international arrivals resume from December 7 was a positive step but there was “some complexity”. “This is a very important event, and one that we’re working closely with Tennis Australia (on),” he said.