The Australian Open (AO) tennis tournament is one of the first major international events on the annual sporting calendar and, as such, has become a symbol of whether the learnings of 2020 can enable a large-scale sports event to be planned and operated amidst the ongoing pandemic. Critically for fans, the question has also been whether the event can safely welcome spectators.
Several weeks ago, the news was a flurry with reports that tournament boss Craig Tiley had contacted players to prepare them for a mid-January arrival that would involve a 2-week quarantine, followed by qualifications and a tournament start of 8 February. However, officials were quick to highlight that discussions were still ongoing, and that the event had not yet been given regulatory approval.
Fast forward to 17 December and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has released its updated calendar with the Australian Open starting on… you guessed it… 8 February. However, in a twist, qualifying will actually take place in Doha, Qatar between 10-13 January, before players fly to Melbourne for their pre-tournament quarantine. Once quarantine is complete, players will have the opportunity to practice in a relocated Adelaide International and a 12-team ATP Cup at the beginning of February, before the main event.
Tennis Australia and Victorian government officials have still not confirmed the new date, but the confirmation by the ATP is considered a solid green light by most. However, the question regarding spectators still hangs in the balance. Whilst AO organisers have confirmed they are making plans to bring spectators to the event, authorities will need watertight reassurances around safety before authorising the move.
In addition to the Australian Open, the ATP said the tennis season will start in Delray Beach, Florida in the first week of January as well as a January tournament in Antalya, Turkey. The Rio Open will be rescheduled to another date as it now conflicts with the AO.
Further information on Australian Open tickets will be provided as it is announced.
