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A general view inside Rod Laver Arena at sunset during the Men’s Singles Final match betwen Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
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A general view inside Rod Laver Arena at sunset during the Men’s Singles Final match betwen Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
It’s almost time for the first Grand Slam of the upcoming season- Australian Open 2021. However, there is still skepticism over some of its measures. The 14-day quarantine is one such measure that most players are not in a mood to agree to at the moment. The ATP Players Council has also not made up its mind and is yet to approve these measures.
With the change of dates and the introduction of new protocols, the Player’s Council has to submit its approval for the same. The vote for the same has already started, and now it will be up to the players to decide.
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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)
Amidst all the issues, the 14-day quarantine seems to be the major problem for the players. It will be quite strict, as the players will only be able to leave their hotel for five hours in order to eat and train. This has received some serious criticism from players like Benoit Paire and other professionals. It’s now up to the Council to take the decision on the matter.
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Quand on t’explique que pour jouer l’Open d’Australie il faut rester 14 jours enfermés dans une chambre d’hôtel.. #interessant pic.twitter.com/PlCGEMEu8O
— paire benoit (@benoitpaire) December 2, 2020
The Council has already dismissed World No.1 Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil. The final decision will now depend on players, including Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Apart from the 20-time Grand Slam winners, the Council also includes Kevin Anderson, John Millman, Andy Murray, and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Read More: Postponing Australian Open 2021 Could Deal $100 Million Loss to Tennis Australia
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Will the Australian Open 2021 create problems for future ATP and WTA events?
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A general view of Melbourne Park during day five of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
There is another major doubt revolving around the dates of the tournament. With the 14-day quarantine in the picture, there were rumors that players could start coming from December 25, 2020. However, it didn’t stand any ground and was not considered.
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Now, the tournament will most probably begin from 25th January 2021 and will extend till mid-February. But this will affect the ATP and WTA tournaments scheduled in February.
The voting process has begun, and now it’ll decide whether to agree with protocols or not. Fans definitely hope to see a great 2021 season beginning from the Australian Open 2021.
