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via Getty

via Getty

Preparations for the Australian Open 2021 are going on meticulously. The organizers want to conduct a COVID-free tournament, and the first obstacle is to get the players into the bubble in the safest way possible. As things stand, AO will now provide charter flights to athletes who are willing to take up the option.

The first problem about the players choosing their own travel method is safety. Airline companies all around the world are practicing the required protocols to ensure maximum security to their passengers. 

However, there is always a minute risk involved, and Australian Open organizers want to avoid it at any cost. ‘Marca’ published a recent update that provides clarity on how these charter flights work. 

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Australian Open 2021 partners with a travel agency to streamline the process

To make thighs less hectic, Tennis Australia has established a tie-up with an International Travel Agency that will allow players to land at Melbourne via charter flights. This has made the commute problem less tiring for the athletes since the organization has taken it upon themselves.

However, the players will have to specify a few details about their journey and Tennis Australia will provide a document through which they would have to state their preferences. Here’s some of them, as mentioned by Marca (Text translated from Spanish via Google).

“When they will land in Melbourne, the mandatory dates are January 15 and 16; the circuit mates with whom they will train during the 14 days of quarantine; what kind of class do they require on the flight, what kind of room and if they are doing some kind of diet in their diet.”

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Furthermore, the players’ traveling party can also accompany them on the same flight and it includes their participation in any tournament that’s conducted in Australia during the first two months of 2021. 

Also Read | Australian Open 2021 Reportedly Sets Tighter COVID-19 Protocols for Tennis Players

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What if an athlete wants to travel alone?

Of course, there’s a solution in case a participant does not want to take a special flight to Australia. He/She can travel on a different flight, provided they reach the venue on time. Moreover, Tennis Australia has also made special amends for such players and it will cover the traveling cost as well.

There is a complete package if a player wants to choose a separate mode of travel and accommodation. In this case, TA will offer the athlete a total sum of 7,000 Australian Dollars ($5,324).

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These are so far the details revealed when it comes to players flying out to Melbourne. The Australian Open 2021 is scheduled to begin on February 8, but the tournament’s qualifiers will take place outside the country for the first time in history.

Also Read | ATP Cup, WTA 500 and More: First Quarter of 2021 Tennis Calendar Reportedly Revealed Amidst Australian Open Delay