ATP Tour confirm ‘uncertainty’ and ‘new challenges’ over staging Australian Open 2021
The Covid-19 pandemic is causing problems in hosting the first Grand Slam of the year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The arrival of players into Australia ahead of the season-opening grand slam in Melbourne has been subject to "new challenges", the ATP Tour said.
Australia has adopted some of the strictest measures in the world to combat the coronavirus and there were potential issues with players having to quarantine for two weeks on arrival, and restrictions preventing movement between states.
As a result, the state of Victoria was named as the location for all warm-up tournaments by Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley, shifting events from Hobart, Adelaide and Brisbane.
But a note to players, shared on Twitter by world number 193 Lukas Lacko, said: "In discussions with Tennis Australia over the past 24 hours, we have been informed there are some new challenges around the previously planned arrival dates for players and team members.READ MORE: Dominic Thiem edges Rafael Nadal in ATP Finals thriller
READ MORE: Dominic Thiem edges Rafael Nadal in ATP Finals thriller
"We understand there is uncertainty about the start of the 2021 season, and we are working as hard as possible to deliver the best possible calendar of events to players, maximising points, jobs and prize money opportunities."
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said the suggestion of all tournaments moving to Melbourne was far from a "done deal".
He said: "This is incredibly complex, it has to be done safely, it has to be done properly.
"We're confident that we'll finish up with an Australian Open, it's a very important event but there's a lot of work to be done to make sure that's as safe as possible.
"We're working hard to make sure there is as much tennis as we can safely have, but it's got to be done safely.
"Whether there are lead-in tournaments, that's to be worked through."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments