Australian Open 2021 to Be Reportedly ‘Delayed’ by a Week or Two

The road to Melbourne Park continues to remain on standby. Recently, the Victorian Sports and Tourism Minister Martin Paluka suggested that the Australian Open would see a delay of ‘week or two.’ While shedding light on the matter, he also confirmed that the quarantine rules would follow those of the 2020 season.

Speaking along the same lines as that of Tennis Australia Chief Craig Tiley, Paluka mentioned that the negotiations were very close to their conclusion. Having said that, many top players are looking forward to the highly anticipated major tournament. Above all, there seems to be no question of the possibility of the cancellation of the event.

Read More: Tennis Australia Chief Announces a Huge Update on Australian Open 2021 Amid Uncertainties

“Potential dates on the table”: Paluka regarding Australia

As the 2020 ATP Tour concluded last week, all eyes turned to the Summer Events in Australia. Scheduled to run from January 16 initially, the major tournament will receive new dates in the coming weeks.

Paluka said, “There’s a number of potential dates on the table. I’ve seen reports that suggest that it’s likely to be delayed by a week or two. I think that’s still most likely. But it’s not the only option. As you know, the French Open was delayed by many months and Wimbledon didn’t occur at all.”

Paluka believes that the postponement won’t be too much. However, the fate rests on the shoulder of the Australian Government, Tennis Australia, the ATP, and the WTA.

“We’ll have Australian Open in the early part of the year”: Martin Paluka

Needless to say, to live up to the expectations of a major tournament, the preparations can be back breaking. With so many authorities in the queue to find the right way, Paluka sees a green light not far ahead. He added, “It’s a very complicated set of conversations. I’m still confident we’ll have an Australian Open and we’ll have one in the early part of the year.”

A far as quarantine restrictions go, Australia will see an elevated routine on top of the regular ones. Martin highlighted, “There will be a number of differences in the amount of testing that they do and some of the rigor around that.”

There is a strong line-up of great players eager to play again in Melbourne Park, Australia. Roger Federer who is also making a comeback will test himself without the presence of his beloved fans.

Also Read: “Something New for Him”: Tennis Legend Keen to See How Roger Federer Copes Without Crowd