“Safest and Securest Bubble”: Australian Open 2021 to Take Place with Spectators

When will tennis return to normalcy? This is a big question that looms over the tennis fans who might have finally found an answer. Held at the esteemed Melbourne Park, the Australian Open may allow 25% of full capacity. The government will conclude the matter in the following week; for the fans, the tickets will be available from November 26.

Six-time and seven-time Australian Open winners Roger Federer and Serena Williams will be playing Down Under. According to Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia, the bargain is in place for ‘controlled bubbles’ for the event.

“Secure protected environment” – Tiley on controlled bubbles in Australia

The 2020 season has put a mental strain on everyone, as the players had to undergo a two-week compulsory quarantine. This is likely to change in Australia with a ‘controlled bubble’ for players to move to and fro.

Tiley said, “The two-week controlled bubble will be a very strict environment. The objectives will be to protect the community, so the players, while they’re training, will only go from their hotel room to the courts, and then back to the hotel room in a secure protected environment.”

Even under a controlled environment, there will be challenges and setbacks to face. As even one COVID carrier can put everyone at risk, concise planning and organization needs to be devised. Tiley added, “There will obviously be significant testing in that bubble. Our objective will be to make it the safest and securest bubble anywhere in the world.”

Expectations and challenges for Australian Open

With a recent rise of the coronavirus in France, Rolex Paris Masters 2020 is transpiring behind closed doors. With this being the case, the real challenge in front of Tennis Australia is to remain open for the fans.

In lines with the expectations from the Australian Open, Tiley confirmed, “All of the top 100 men and women have completed that [travel commitment form]. Everyone has indicated a desire to travel.”

Presumably, if everything goes on as planned and all state governments sanction their plans, the fans will go. On the possibilities of cancelling the event, Tiley replied, “At this point, no.”

A concluding revelation will be made in the coming week, and the fate of the Australian Open will be secured. But it can be assumed that the Australian Open will see a green light.

Also Read: With Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Others Australian Open 2021 is in ‘Great Shape’ Says Tournament Director