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The giant Australian Open logo is seen full of tennis balls ahead of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 05, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
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The giant Australian Open logo is seen full of tennis balls ahead of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 05, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
The confirmation of the Australian Open 2021 has set the ball rolling again. With extravagant levels of planning and precautionary measures, the opening Grand Slam is all the tennis world is waiting for. Adding an undesired twist to the story, the director of Vienna Open, Herwig Straka, revealed that nothing is still conclusive.
Scheduled to start from February 8, the reported plan requires all the players to travel to Australia via chartered flights. And, the transit must be carried out between January 15 and 17 only.
On top of that, there are a lot of questions on how the bubble will work. The manager of Dominic Thiem, Straka, has added a few more queries to that list.
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Read More: Chartered Flights, Training in Quarantine and More: How Will the Australian Open 2021 Bubble Work?
“No official statement from ATP regarding the Australian Open”: Straka
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates at the trophy presentation ceremony after winning the men’s singles final match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day fourteen of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 2, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images)
Herwig is a member of the ATP board and has brought clarity in the matter of the Melbourne Park event. He said, “There is still no firm agreement regarding the Australian Open. It is becoming more and more likely, but there is still no deal.”
Furthermore, Straka focused on the main problem of the uncertainties. He added, “Quarantine regulations have yet to be resolved. This is why there is no official statement from ATP regarding the Australian Open and at the moment no schedule.”
According to the reported plan of Tennis Australia’s Chief, 5 hours of movement will be allowed during the two-week quarantine. However, the government of Australia is against any such motion, claimed Straka.
“Craig Tiley is under enormous pressure in Australia”: Herwig
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after winning a point during his Men’s Singles third round match against John Millman of Australia on day five of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
It is fair enough to say that Tennis Australia, ATP, and WTA, alongside the government, are doing an incredible job. In such tiring circumstances, they are turning every stone to make sure that the quality of the Grand Slam is maintained. They are also taking a stretch on creating the most secure bubble for the players.
Having said that, the work is ongoing and the organizers will surely not give in to the situation. Straka concluded, “Craig Tiley is under enormous pressure in Australia, but the story is not yet fully settled.”
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While the organizers are doing their job, the players have also begun their preparations. The situation, however, will need some more time to settle because of all that is happening in Australia. All the tennis fans are also waiting for the Swiss maestro, Roger Federer, to make his comeback to tennis.
Also Read: Postponing Australian Open 2021 Could Deal $100 Million Loss to Tennis Australia
