“As far as player participation is concerned, we are in great shape,”says Tennis Australia CEO after Nadal, Federer and Djokovic submit required Australian Open paperwork


“As far as player participation is concerned, we are in great shape,”says Tennis Australia CEO after Nadal, Federer and Djokovic submit required Australian Open paperwork
Rafael Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have all submitted the paperwork for participation at the Australian Open 2021

The recent surge in Coronavirus cases across the world and especially in the European nations means that tennis tournaments will have stricter quarantine rules. As far as the Australian Open 2021 is concerned, the safety and quarantine measures are yet to be finalized by the authorities. The tournament will be held from 18th-31st January.

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Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia revealed that as it stands, the Australian Open 2021 is in good shape with Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic all submitting the required Australian Open paperwork. “As far as player participation is concerned, we are in great shape,” said Tiley. However, he did admit that after the quarantine rules were announced, there will be a few withdrawals but as of now, most players are expected to be a part of the Australian Open.

Craig Tiley admits things could change after new quarantine rules

Novak Djokovic is the defending champion at the Australian Open

Craig Tiley, also admitted that after the new quarantine rules were announced, there will be a couple of withdrawals if the duration is too long but claimed that the overall outlook as of now was positive. “Everyone had to complete a travel commitment form and that is a precursor to getting visas, which are now being processed by the immigration department,” Tiley told the Sydney Morning Herald. He further pointed out that things could change after new quarantine rules were decided and communicated to them.

“All of the top 100 men and women have completed that. Everyone has indicated a desire to travel. If we announce tomorrow that they have to quarantine for 28 days or that they have to sit in a hotel room for 14 days, that will change. The current presentation we made to the players has been very positive in the sense they have all signed up,” concluded Tiley.

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The Big 3 to reunite at the Australian Open 2021

The Big 3 will reunite at the Australian Open 2021

The Australian Open 2021 will be an interesting watch as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic reunite for glory Down Under. Rafael Nadal has never won the Australian Open since 2009, losing in the finals four times in the past 9 attempts. Roger Federer returns to action for the first time after his semifinal loss at the Australian Open 2020 to Novak Djokovic. The Swiss is expected to recover from the knee injury and give it his best shot to claim his 7th Australian Open trophy.

Novak Djokovic suffered heartbreaks at the US Open 2020 where he defaulted and at the French Open 2020, where he lost in the finals to Rafael Nadal. He will look forward to defending his title in Australian next year and claim his 9th Australian Open title.

Also Read: ‘Melbourne’ summer of tennis possible as Tennis Australia scrambling for approval

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