Australian Open organisers optimistic for January go-ahead despite coronavirus measures
- Tournament director Craig Tiley reveals plans to have players arrive in Australia two weeks ahead of the tournament and to play warm-ups in Victoria
Tiley said on Sunday that Tennis Australia was still “doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible” after the Victorian state government said this week nothing had been confirmed around the tournaments.
“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 a major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economy,” Tiley added in a statement.
“We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and biosecurity requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon.”
Victoria has just emerged from a lengthy lockdown following a rampant re-emergence of the coronavirus, while Australia is effectively closed to international arrivals.
Tennis Australia (TA), however, said earlier this week they had planned for players and their entourages to start arriving Down Under in mid-December, spend two weeks in mandatory quarantine and then begin playing in early January.