Australian Open to start on February 8 as COVID-19 measures confirmed
The world’s best will begin arriving in mid-January with the tournament’s pandemic measures now confirmed.
The Australian Open will start on February 8 under strict COVID testing procedures for the world’s best tennis players.
Superstars Roger Federer and Serena Williams, plus their entourages, will begin arriving from January 15 and go into a two-week quarantine where they will be able to train as long as they provide a negative test result upon arrival in Melbourne.
After weeks of negotiations with the Victorian State Government, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley confirmed via e-mail on Wednesday afternoon that the opening Grand Slam of 2021 had been given the green light.
“It’s taken a while, but the great news is it looks like we are going to be able to hold the AO on 8 February,” Tiley said.
“Players will have to quarantine for two weeks from 15 January, but the Victorian government has agreed to special conditions for AO participants – agreeing that they need to be able to prepare for a Grand Slam.
“There will be strict conditions, but after quarantine, players are free to stay where they want, go where they want, play lead-in matches and then compete in an AO in front of significant crowds in a great Melbourne atmosphere for the first time in many months.”
The training part of the quarantine had been the major sticking point with the players, through the ATP and WTA, maintaining it was non-negotiable as preparation for a major tournament.
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
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.
“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.”
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