French Star Criticizes Tennis Australia Over Separate Bubble for Elite Players Ahead of Australian Open 2021

As we edge closer to the Australian Open 2021, authorities are engaged in the penultimate arrangements for ensuring a smooth run of events. The coronavirus pandemic not only disrupted most of last season, but is also making it rather tough for organizers to go ahead with the new season.

Right from the previous season to date, the effects continue to disrupt normalcy in tennis with the Australian Open also now pushed to February. 

With less than a month to go before the Australian Open begins, players are getting ready for the warm-up tournaments prior to the first Major. There are two ATP 250 events to be held in Melbourne and Adelaide simultaneously. Initially, both were supposed to be held in Melbourne. 

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams to Be in Adelaide

To the build-up of events, the change of venue has led to a hike in expenses for Tennis Australia. To charter 20-odd flights along with accommodating over 1000 people associated with the players, and the tournament has added to expenses. On the other hand, elite players like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams will be headlining the event. 

Organizers have categorized the top names and put them up in separate hotels as compared to the rest of the players. Voicing his displeasure, French tennis player, Jeremy Chardy stated, “This announcement for the top threes is a bit out of the blue. And it’s weird, to put it mildly.

“They will even be able to benefit from a gym at the hotel and will be able to do their exercises, which will not count towards the five-hour quota. Everyone can go out. They will almost be able to live normally.”

COVID-19 Continuing to Alter Australian Open 2021?

Tennis Australia is having a rough period in getting things set in order prior to the Australian Open 2021. The responsibility of hosting one of the biggest sporting events of the year during these trying times is a mammoth task, and Tennis Australia is finding that out the hard way.

On the brighter side of things, players such as Naomi Osaka and recently crowned US Open champion Dominic Thiem are going to be entertaining fans with their tennis. As a fan, one hopes for the disputes to be settled in order for a successful beginning to the new year. 

Also Read: Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep and Others Join the Likes of Serena Williams and Ashleigh Barty Before Australian Open 2021