There is increasing confidence that the Australian Open will go ahead with spectators in attendance on its scheduled date of 18-31 January 2021.
Tennis Australia recently announced their plans to welcome fans to Melbourne Park at 25% to 50% of normal capacity. With over 800,000 fans attending in 2020, this suggests somewhere between 200,000 to 400,000 people over the duration of the event. This is possible due to the retractable roofs at the venue, allowing it to be classified as an outdoor event, combined with the large area of outdoor grounds.
Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia CEO, said that a lot had been learned from the recent US Open and French Open in regard to safely operating a live tennis event in the midst of a pandemic. For players, this will mean arriving two weeks early and staying in a ‘bio-secure bubble’ throughout their time in the country. In a boost to the event, both Roger Federer and Serena Williams have confirmed they will be playing.
The plans are currently awaiting approval from government officials in Australia’s state of Victoria. "There's a whole lot of work to do," said Martin Pakula, the state's Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events. However, he added "I'm extremely confident …I'm determined that it will happen."
The news comes as Victoria begins easing its restrictions after a lockdown that has so far appeared to quell new Coronavirus infections. It also serves as a white beacon to the sports industry and fans that the organisers and government are confident a major international sporting event can safely take place under the challenges of the pandemic.
Ticket sales will be announced at a later date once the event plans are finalised.
