Australian Open in danger? - "The logistical challenges are considerable"
The Australian Open in 2021 seems anything but secure. Victoria’s Minister of Sport, Martin Pakula , has now also spoken out critically.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Oct 31, 2020, 06:08 pm
Although Australia and in particular the state of Victoria with its capital Melbourne have gotten the coronavirus numbers under control in the past weeks and months thanks to rigorous measures, it is still questionable whether the Australian Open will take place from January 18 to 31 as planned can take the stage. The main reason for this is the restrictive entry restrictions for the entire continent.
"You can't ask the players to be quarantined for two weeks and then go out and be ready to play a grand slam," tournament director Craig Tiley said a few weeks ago . Therefore, the goal is "to create a quarantine environment in which the players can commute between the hotel and the courts during these two weeks."
Tiley remains confident
Victoria's Minister of Sports, Martin Pakula, however, has concerns about hosting the Australian Open. Although up to 25,000 fans are allowed to attend Boxing Test Day, a cricket test match, in December, the traditionally first Grand Slam tournament of the year is a little different. "From a logistical standpoint, the Australian Open is a much bigger challenge than cricket," Pakula told The Age .
"Apart from the audience question, you have the problem of bringing hundreds of players and their entourages to Melbourne and then quarantining them here or elsewhere. The logistical challenges are considerable," said the Minister of Sports.
Not least because of this, it is not yet clear whether the Australian Open will actually take place next year. At least Craig Tiley is "confident" that the event can go ahead as planned. We wish it and all tennis fans.