[ad_1]
Australian Open chief Craig Tiley stated Sunday he anticipated “decisions soon” on preparations for the match after studies stated it might be shifted from its ordinary January slot, whereas Rafael Nadal urged gamers to be affected person. Tiley had initially wished gamers to start out arriving in Australia from mid-December so they might bear a compulsory 14-day quarantine earlier than enjoying conventional warm-up occasions earlier than the Grand Slam. But that plan was thrown into doubt by Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews, notably since Melbourne solely just lately emerged from a months-long lockdown to get rid of a second wave of Covid-19.
Andrews reportedly solely needs gamers to reach from early January, which might make all of it however inconceivable to carry the high-profile ATP Cup and different tournaments earlier than the scheduled begin of the Open on January 18.
It additionally stays unclear whether or not gamers might be allowed to coach throughout quarantine.
“Tennis Australia is doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible,” Tiley stated in an announcement.
“We are working closely with the Victorian government on a plan that takes into account the needs of the players, fans, our partners and staff, and is of major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economy.
“We are persevering with our pressing talks with native well being authorities relating to quarantining and bio-security necessities and are assured we can have selections quickly.”
The Melbourne Age newspaper said it understood the Australian Open would likely be delayed by one or two weeks, with February 1 emerging as a possible start date.
But the Melbourne Herald Sun said it could be pushed back as far as early March.
“Tennis Australia is aware of the necessity for certainty, but additionally aware of reaching an answer with the state authorities that ensures the protection of your entire group,” said Tiley.
Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Nadal said it was an unprecedented situation and urged patience from players.
Promoted
“We simply have to be affected person and settle for the scenario that we face. That is troublesome for everybody,” he stated on the ATP Finals in London.
“We have to be versatile to grasp the scenario and to discover a solution to play as many tournaments as potential subsequent 12 months.”
Topics talked about on this article
(This story has not been edited by Newslivenation workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)