Mandatory COVID tests, fewer viewers: Australian Open 2021 with wise foresight
The organizers of the Australian Open are already planning for their event early next year. Among other things, measures such as fewer spectators and short quarantine periods should be used for the players.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jul 26, 2020, 08:02 am
The Australian Open has a small advantage, so to speak, because it is not they who have to take the maiden flight as the first Grand Slam after the COVID 19 pandemic. This honor is - at least according to the current state - the US Open, which should take place in a month. The French Open will also be played in 2020 and is scheduled for the end of September.
"They are considering both mandatory tests, different quarantine levels and a limited field of participants. Of course, we are considering all these options and more as part of our scenario planning," said Craig Tiley, head of Tennis Australia, in an interview with the AP. Accordingly, it had been agreed a few days ago that players who fly to Australia should spend a few days in quarantine, have to take a COVID 19 test and only on official hotels of the organizers - as well as the shuttle offered with them Transport to the facility - may use.
Probably no overseas viewers
There will also be an impact on the local audience, as Tiley explains: "We will not reach the numbers we had last year, the record number of 821,000 people who went through the gates. Our fans are from the state of Melbourne and Victoria are coming, possibly from New Zealand if they lift the border restrictions, but the 15% we get from overseas is unlikely to be here. "
Now the organizers in Melbourne are looking towards New York and Paris, because there is not just a lot to learn here. "If conditions improve and the US Open and French Open are going well and there are positive events, it will strengthen the players' confidence and help us here in Melbourne next year," said Craig Tiley.