“Later the Better”: Economist Calls for Postponement of Australian Open 2021 to Boost Nation’s Economy

The 2020 tennis season is officially over and it is the time when players are eyeing the next season. With the coronavirus pandemic still around, there are already big uncertainties revolving around the Australian Open 2021. While the management wants the tournament to begin as soon as possible in January itself, sports economists argue that it would be better if the Slam begins later than its due date.

Some experts are in favor of postponing the tournament to overcome the limitation of the limited crowd. They believe that this would actually help in boosting up the economy.

Dr. Ross Booth, senior lecturer in sports economics at Monash University, also pointed out that delaying the Grand Slam would be a big boost for Australia economically.

“The later the better, there’s plenty of time. There’s nothing really it’s going to clash with. The Test cricket will be over by 19 January,” revealed Dr. Booth.

“It’s certainly going to be much less of a boom for the Australian economy in total because you’ll take out a large number of international tourists. If they only have limited crowds, they won’t be allowed to have full stadiums we presume at this point. That reduces the number of people who can go along,” said Dr. Mark Stewart, a sports economist.

Steward clearly emphasized the need of having more spectators in the Slam. He highlighted the consequences on the economy if the tournament starts on its scheduled date.

On-going Uncertainties around the Australian Open 2021

Yesterday, sources revealed that the organizers decided to scrap off the qualifiers from Grand Slam. Although there has been no official statement, many believe that it could be done in order to start the tournament on time.

The official date of kick-off is 18th January 2021 right now. The management wants to finish the tournament by early February as the ATP and the WTA already have tight schedules in the month. However, Dr. Stewart believed that starting the tournament in January would lead to a huge loss of money.

“And the fact that you’ll have a limited number of people there – they’re only allowing 25% of people into the MCG. They get a lot of money from the gate. They’ll also have to employ heaps more security people to manage them [spectators]. They’ll be paying for all the tests as well, for players and officials, etc,” added Dr. Stewart.

It is thus, a state of dilemma for the organizers of the Australia Open. They have to make a choice between the economic advantages or a timely schedule. Whatever they choose, the fans’ focus is to witness some great tennis in 2021 starting from the Australian Open.

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