Despite $1 Billion Backing, Australian Open in Troubled Waters as China Scare Looms Over

COVID-19 had been severe for the world community in all respect; health, wealth, and life among others. However, as the ghastly cloud of the horrors of the pandemic dispersed; another trouble surrounds the host of the first Grand Slam of the season; the Australian Open. It is scheduled to commence on January 16, 2023.

With COVID-19 emptying coffers of the Tennis Australia, there have been talks about the Australian Open to transfer, interstate, Sydney, or even overseas, China from its current location, Melbourne.

Australia to lose its iconic Grand Slam?

The year 2020 and 2021 were the toughest for the community, as similar was the case with the Australian Open. Not only it was delayed due to the prevalent pandemic but also, there were added costs of precaution, to limit the spread in the worst-case scenario.

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When the Australian Open was finally held after COVID-19, it was seen as a ray of hope for things getting back on track to normalcy. However, before entering the courts, the players had to be in quarantine for almost 2 weeks, in addition to restricted revenue sources. As the spectators’ capacity was capped at 50%, to follow the COVID-19 guidelines. As a result, Tennis Australia exhausted its $80mn reserves in just 15 months, in the wake of a delayed Major in 2021.

Although, according to the contract, Melbourne still has 23 years more, to host the iconic Australian Open. However, the CEO, Craig Tiley, of a cash-strapped tournament, is in talks with Sydney and Shanghai to move the tournament, where it can be better funded. As to keep up with the other three Majors, Melbourne needs new stadiums and courts.

Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open

After being unable to play at the Melbourne, last year. Tides have turned in favor of the Serb. The 21-time Grand Slam champion has been granted a temporary visa, contrary to last year’s visa ban, due to his vaccination stand. It cost the former World No 1 many tournament entries.

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The CEO also praised Djokovic’s form and even claimed that the Serb is currently the best in the world. Many Djokovic fans would concur, and further added that Australian fans would appreciate the Serb’s play.

Will Rafael Nadal defend his Melbourne crown or Djokovic would claim it? What do you think? Do let us know in the comments.