Australian Open to start on February 8

The Australian Open will start on February 8, three weeks later than scheduled, Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley has officially announced on Saturday. "Every player including Roger (Federer) has made a commitment to travel to Melbourne to play". The players will arrive in Australia from 15 January and undertake mandatory quarantine for 14 days.

Australian Open 2021 will feature singles, doubles and wheelchair competitions. The qualifying will be held offshore, with the women's event taking place in Dubai, and men's qualifying in Doha from 10-13 January. The AO Junior Championships has been postponed until later in the year.

"We fully expect to welcome at least 50 per cent (fans) to what we previously had" to be back in Melbourne Park, with tickets to go on sale before Christmas. 

(Image Credits: AP)