Australian Open 2021: Players will not be allowed in the country before January; Electronic calling to be used on courts
Follow Us
Sporting organizations responsible for big events are having the toughest time to arrive at a final decision for the smooth functioning of events in the wake of the global pandemic. Tennis Australia is facing a similar situation regarding the upcoming tennis events to be held in Australia at the start of next year.
CEO of Tennis Australia, Mr. Craig Tiley had given the word out yesterday that the Victorian government is not allowing players to quarantine in the country during the month of December. This decision naturally puts the events leading up to the first Grand Slam of the year in jeopardy.
The average rate of infection in Victoria for the last 18 days has been zero, however, the government is being as precautious as possible in order to not jeopardize that. This means, players will need to undergo two weeks of mandatory quarantine in the first two weeks of January making it uncertain for them to train at any point during that time.
The revamped calendar could possibly lead to a delay of the Australian Open even, which as of now is scheduled to begin on 18th of January, 2021.
The quarantine details are still being worked out with the government, and the schedule of the lead-up events including the Australian Open will be communicated to the players at the earliest.
Having no official match before a grand slam, is a huge thing: Novak Djokovic
World No.1, Novak Djokovic spoke in the press conference after his loss against Daniil Medvedev at the Nitto ATP Finals on Wednesday. He expressed his hopes of playing in a tournament or two before the Australian Open which is a important factor for the majority of the players.
Djokovic, who is an eight-time winner of the Australian Open, said that, “I mean, hopefully that’s going to help tremendously with the calendar and everything, and you won’t be then losing a week. You will be able to have at least a tournament or two prior to the Australian Open, which for majority of the players is important. Having no official match before the Australian Open, before a grand slam, is a huge thing.”
Electronic line calling to be also used at the Australian Open 2021
The initiative to have electronic line calling at tournaments has been a success so far after first implementing it at the 2020 US Open and at the ongoing ATP Finals in London.
The initiative was carried out to serve the purpose of limiting the number of people on-court due to the COVID-19 pandemic and players as well as experts have been in total favor of continuing it to be used at all tournaments in the future.
Sources close to the tournament have confirmed that Live Electronic Line Calling will be used on all courts at the 2021 Australian Open.
Stay Updated!
FS Desk
(8023 Articles Published)