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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: A ballboy on court during a match between Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands and Ana Ivanovic of Serbia during day four of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: A ballboy on court during a match between Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands and Ana Ivanovic of Serbia during day four of the 2012 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)
Finally, after a round of discussions, Tennis Australia announced that the Australian Open 2021 will begin from the February 8, 2021. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there have been many delays and changes in the tennis calendar. This pattern has continued from the 2020 season into the season ahead in 2021.
The effects of the pandemic have been severe to humankind. The ease with which humans were contracting the virus has been alarming. Citing these reasons, the authorities had to keep the safety of all individuals as the number one priority.
Now that things have returned to slight normalcy, Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley said, “For the first time in more than 100 years the Australian Open will start in February. We look forward to offering the players what we believe will be one of their best playing experiences in 2021.”
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 10: The Minister for Sport and Major Events John Eren and Craig Tiley the Australian Open Tournament Director pose with the Australian Open Trophies during the 2018 Australian Open Launch at Tennis HQ on October 10, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
A lot of hard work has gone in organising the Australian Open 2021
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Tiley also mentioned the efforts taken by the government and local bodies in ensuring safety so that the tournament could be carried out smoothly. He praised them and said, “Protecting the precious COVID-free environment that the Victorian community has built through incredible sacrifice and hard work over the past six months, has been paramount. It has taken eight months of working alongside government authorities to give us the opportunity to present an Australian Open.”
Another great initiative taken by Tennis Australia was that they’ve decided to support local businesses. During the pandemic, these businesses took a huge hit as there were no sales, which continued for a lengthy period.
Craig stated, “AO 2021 is going to be all about supporting local businesses. Our tennis coaches, the farmers, food and wine producers, chefs, artists, and musicians. To celebrate everything that is great about our country, as well as providing opportunities to those who’ve been so hard hit during the pandemic, particularly in Melbourne and Victoria.”
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It’s great that dates have been finalized for the first major of the year. Given all the uncertainties that have surrounded individuals over recent months, the tournament in Australia will surely be memorable.
