With concerns over COVID still impacting the world of sports for the foreseeable future, the organizers of the Australian Open have finalized a plan for running the 2021 edition of the grand slam with effective health and safety guidelines in place.
While Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley explained that he will be observing the way that the US Open and Roland Garros is run this year, he confirmed that the Australian Open tournament organizers have already determined a list of practices that are sure to be implemented by the time that the tournament commences.
Some basic practices that will be applied include reduced seating due to social distancing, the likelihood of no overseas spectators, and a secure bio-security “bubble” that players will remain within for the duration of the tournament.
Overseas players are expected to spend time in quarantine after their arrival in Australia, be tested for COVID-19, and stay at one of the official bio-secure tournament hotels.
When questioned about these practises, Tiley responded by saying “There is no question with the current lockdown in Melbourne as not ideal for people today, but positive for the future. If we get on top of the infection rate, we will all have learned some good lessons.”
