COVID-19 Pandemic Could Force the Relocation of Australian Open 2022 Outside Australia

Every year, the first Grand Slam on the calendar year is the Australian Open. It is termed as the ‘happy slam’ and all the top players in the world compete in this tournament. Although the event was conducted successfully this year, there were still a number of modifications being made to it in wake of the ongoing battle with COVID-19. 

Recently, there were reports of the Australian Open 2022 being scheduled outside the country and in a different venue. Due to the federal government’s budget prediction, international borders will stay closed until mid-2022, and because the Australian Open is held during the first quarter of the year, this decision will disrupt the proceedings. 

Australian Open 2022 to undergo a drastic change?

There is a possibility of the tournament being played in Doha and Dubai. These cities hosted the qualifying rounds of the Australian Open 2021 matches for men and women. Players were unhappy with the quarantine restrictions at the Happy Slam this year, and they would not want to go through the same process for the second year in a row. 

In events taking place over Europe and America, players have to self isolate themselves upon arrival until they test negative. After that, they are free to roam in the bubble. 

Due to the decision of the federal government, Tennis Australia is considering the possibility of conducting the tournament overseas. They are skeptical of the players agreeing to spend two weeks in a hotel room before being able to hit the practice courts. 

Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka were the champions in Australia this year

At the Australian Open this season, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic lifted the 18th Grand Slam title of his career. On the women’s tour, it was Japanese starlet Naomi Osaka who lifted her fourth Grand Slam title. 

Besides this, there were several exciting matches during the course of two weeks. The match between hometown hero Nick Kyrgios and Dominic Thiem in the third round was a thriller. 

In the quarterfinal, Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas came back from two sets down to beat the living legend Rafael Nadal in a five-set battle. 

Only time will tell how this latest development affects the Australian Open 2022. Tennis fans will hope things escalate smoothly and normalcy is restored. 

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