Australian Open dates expected within 2 weeks

Tennis Australia says dates for next year’s Australian Open in Melbourne should be kwn within two weeks.

Chief executive Craig Tiley was responding on Sunday to unsourced reports season-opening grand slam event might be pushed back until February, March or even later.

tournament is scheduled to start on Jan. 18. But questions remain over quarantine arrangements for players and ir entours — an estimated 2,500 people.

In a statement Tiley said Tennis Australia is “doing everything we can to finalize summer of tennis as soon as possible.”

“Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow players to prepare and perform at ir best and fans to enjoy ir efforts — all in an environment that is safe for all concerned,” he said.

Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews has said is government is working to smooth out any quarantine issues. government's previous reluctance to allow players to arrive before Jan. 1 h been a stumbling block to confirming tournament dates.

With a requirement to complete 14 days in mand isolation, players might t have been released until days before matches began.

“We are working closely with Victorian Government on a plan that takes into account needs of players, fans, our partners and staff and is of major benefit to Victorian and Australian ecomies,” Tiley said.

“We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and bio-security requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon.”

Tiley said TA is “acutely aware” of need for certainty but also of reaching a solution with state government that ensures safety of entire community.

“We look forward to anuncing our ticket on-sale date as soon as all arrangements with relevant authorities are finalized and we have more information on crowd sizes. We anticipate this on-sale date will be within next two weeks,” he said.

Tiley said reports tournament might be delayed, even as late as April, are “speculation.”

Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, was hard-hit by COVID-19 during winter but has w gone 23 days without a new infection.

Im credits: AP