SAN FRANCISCO, November 25, (THEWILL) – The Australian Open will “most likely” be delayed by one or two weeks, a Victoria government minister admitted as organisers continue to discuss what impact the coronavirus pandemic will have on players arriving in Australia.
On Wednesday, the State of Victoria reached 25 days without a COVID-19 case, although players will still be required to quarantine when heading to the country, which is planning to host warm-up tournaments in Melbourne to limit movement.
Tennis Australia claimed a report that the opening Grand Slam of 2021 would move back from its original dates of January 18-31 was speculation on Saturday, but Victorian Sports and Tourism Minister Martin Pakula has said that is now “likely”.
“There’s a number of potential dates on the table. I’ve seen reports that suggest that it’s likely to be delayed by a week or two. I think that’s still most likely.”
Health protocols and quarantine requirements will be those that are ultimately agreed with the public health (authorities) and then it will be a matter for the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) about whether or not they are acceptable.
“An extremely rigorous testing regime will apply to the players both before they leave the port that they come in from and when they arrive.”
The Premier of the State of Victoria, Dan Andrews, added that the State would not jeopardise its “coronavirus status” and said dates are being finalised.
“We’ll have an Australian Open tennis tournament, but (it’ll) have to look different.
“The rest of the world is on fire so there will be quarantine for anyone coming to our city and state, there’s just no way around it. I think the timing will be close to the normal timing, those details are being finalised.
“As important as a tennis tournament is, we’re not going to jeopardise our coronavirus status by anything other than the highest standards.”
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
