Australian Open 2021 likely to delayed by 2 weeks due to safety norms: Victoria Minister

 Australian Open's fate is on somewhat shaky ground as Melbourne-based Grand Slam might run into some COVID-19-related delays. Although re has been official statement from Tennis Australia or its CEO Craig Tiley, reports suggest that Australian Open 2021 might have to be pushed back to accommodate Victoria State government's rules on quarantine for players coming from abro. A delayed Australian Open would have a ripple effect on 2021 tennis schedule.

Also Re | 'Tennis Australia Doing Best y Can', Says Zverev On Australia Open Doubts

Australian Open 2021 set for a delayed start?

After successfully taking on one of worst wildfires in Australian history during 2020 Australian Open, Tennis Australia will w have to contend with coronavirus pandemic for next edition of Grand Slam. Tennis Australia CEO, Craig Tiley released a statement saying that dates for tournament would be anunced within two weeks (from vember 22) and can be expected to be held in its current slot from January 18 to 31. 

However, according to Victorian Sports and Tourism Minister Martin Pakula, Grand Slam is "most likely" to be postponed "by a week or two". "re's a number of potential dates on table," Pakula told reporters in Melbourne. Tennis Australia and State of Victoria are negotiating and working out rules regarding quarantine surrounding tour but TA has dismissed any "speculation" of a postponement in Australian Open dates.

Also Re | Daniil Medvedev Creates History By Beating World's Top 3 Players To Win ATP Finals

Victoria's Premier, Dan Andrews has also said that while Australian Open will take place, it will "have to look different". Victoria became one of Australia's worst-hit states early on in country's battle with COVID-19 pandemic but after strict restrictions, Melbourne coronavirus cases count has remained at zero in almost a month. " rest of world is on fire so re will be quarantine for anyone coming to our city and state, re's just way around it," confirmed Andrews.

"As important as a tennis tournament is, we're t going to jeopardise our coronavirus status by anything or than highest standards.  quarantine requirements will be those that are ultimately agreed with public health (authorities) and n it will be a matter for ATP and WTA about wher or t y are acceptable," ded sports minister Pakula. 

Also Re | India Vs Australia 2020 Schedule, Where To Watch Around World, Timings And Squs

Big three set to reunite at Australian Open 2021

Whenever it happens, Australian Open 2021 will see 'Big Three' play in a tournament after a gap of almost a year. vak Djokovic, Rafael Nal and Roger Federer trio will be back toger for first time since 2020 Australian Open. vak Djokovic will be defending champion as he takes a stab at his 18th Gram Slam title and a record-extending ninth title at Melbourne Park.  

Also Re | Australian Open Dates Expected Within 2 Weeks

Im Credits: Australian Open website