The ‘Big Impact’ of COVID-19 on Australian Open 2021


The ‘Big Impact’ of COVID-19 on Australian Open 2021

Rod Laver Arena

Sofia Kenin, Novak Djokovic

Tennis Australia is the organisation behind one of the most anticipated events of the season, the Australian Open. Time and time again, it has managed to pull off the tournament with praises from ATP and WTA players across the board. Majority of the competitors have helmed this as ‘The Greatest Grand Slam Event.’

However, the pandemic’s worsening state in the rest of the world is a warning to Australia to tread cautiously. Since this country is one of the few places where no new COVID-19 are being recorded, the Victorian state government is taking all the precautions that it can to protect its citizens. This has led to numerous changes concerning the Australian Open 2021

Major changes made at the Australian Open

Rod Laver Arena

Firstly, the tournament is planning to conduct its ‘Qualifying Rounds’ outside Australia. These rounds are very essential to up-and-coming players who do not advance in the main draw based on their ranking alone. On account of a lower rank, they have to compete in matches prior to the first official round of the tournament to secure the ‘wild-card.’

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Secondly, Australian Open was postponed to take place from February 8. However, even this date is not official yet. Further, tournament director, Craig Tiley has iterated that an altogether cancelation is still very much on the cards.

Moreover, players are likely to make adjustments in their pre-tournament rituals as well. Upon arrival, they will have to quarantine for 14 days. Initially, this received a few raised-eye brows, especially from the players, who engage in rigorous practice. However, reports have emerged which state that a bubble-like practice arena will be made available during the isolation period. 

In addition, currently, a rule of only 50% occupancy of the stadium is likely to be enforced. In contrast, this percentage can go way down when the official announcements are made. 

A massive loss in earnings for the tournament

Craig Tiley

In an interview with The Australian, T.A release a statement which reads: “The Group will most likely introduce external funding in the form of a line of credit to cover the significant costs that have arisen as part of the COVID-19 response to meeting quarantine and biosecurity measures for AO2021.”

Such obstacles are looming, and are likely to get worsened if the tournament decides to introduce any other facilities for the players.

Along with this, the postponement of the Slam could cost a loss of upto 100 million dollars. In order to make the aforementioned arrangements, the organisation will likely have to take a hefty loan. The tournament is exploring options for a line of credit which will allow them to maintain a cash flow during critical times. Tiley has uncloaked that “it will take upto five years to recover the loss.”

Also Read: Australian Open 2021: Tournament to begin on February 8 as players asked to follow strict guidelines