Australian Open 2021 Qualifying Rounds to Be Played Outside the Country

The issues surrounding the Australian Open 2021 never seen to end. As compared to previous editions, the 2021 Australian Open is going to be conducted but with many modifications. Finally, after a number of discussions, the first grand slam of the year is going to begin on the 8th of February onwards. 

The main reason for citing these changes is the coronavirus. The dangers of the virus still loom large. The main priority for the organizers is ensuring the safety of players. Players will have to quarantine themselves for a period of 14 days. They will have to continue living in the bubble after serving the period of quarantine. 

Australian Open Qualifying Rounds to Be Held Overseas

Talks of conducting the qualifying rounds at another venue were going on. After much debate, Tennis Australia has decided to hold the qualifying rounds of next year’s Australian Open outside the country. Although the location has not been confirmed, there was discussion of cities like Doha, Dubai, or Singapore doing the rounds. The cities mentioned above have already resumed holding events, which can make a good fit. 

The players qualified will then board the flight to Melbourne. Tennis Australia will arrange flights for them to travel across. Moreover, those players whose requests wouldn’t have been granted would be able to recover their cost of applying for an Australian visa. 

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Because the Australian Open is such a globalized event. There are fans coming from all over the world to witness their favorite players in action. Fans will be allowed to enter at 50% occupancy. 

Another interesting rule has been revealed. If a player or any of the members of his/her team tests positive then the entire team including the player will have to mandatory quarantine themselves for another 14 days. In the days to come, there can be further changes to the decisions taken by the authorities.