The opening week of the Australian Open has been redesigned to help give 72 players in the 14-day quarantine block the best possible preparation and training opportunities.
After extensive consultation between the players and the Tours, Tennis Australia developed a new schedule, taking into account the limited time that many players had to prepare.
The Murray River Open, the Great Ocean Road Open and the ATP Cup will be postponed within 24 hours. The two ATP 250 events will start on Monday, February 1st, each with 56, while the ATP Cup will start on Tuesday, February 2nd.
“This has been a particularly challenging time for hard lockdown athletes and we, along with the WTA and ATP, intend to do everything we can to help,” said Australia Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley.
“These changes to the opening events were made to give 72 players a little more time to help them prepare. We will also prioritize them for activities such as practice sessions, gymnastics and ice baths. “
ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi also added: “Our number one goal with Tennis Australia and the WTA was to be as fair as possible to players coming out of a difficult quarantine.
“The extra 24 hours before the first ATP Tour events, together with priority on practice and preparation, will help. We are looking forward to starting what I am sure will be a fantastic tennis summer in Melbourne in front of our big Australian fans. “
There will now be three WTA 500 events – the two originally planned from Sunday, January 31 to Saturday, February 6, with slightly reduced draw sizes. A third event, for players who were unable to train, will begin on Wednesday 3 and end on Sunday, 7 February.
“This revised schedule consisting of three WTA 500 events in the week leading up to the next Australian Open will allow our athletes coming out of the respected quarantine period to properly focus on their preparation for a return to competition,” said WTA CEO Steve Simon .
“We appreciate the positive spirit of collaboration shown by our friends at Tennis Australia and ATP as these solutions were worked out in the last few days. All of our players appreciate the opportunity to be here in Melbourne and look forward to entering the court to compete and entertain the incredible fans who are here with great tennis in the coming weeks, in what will be a very safe and healthy environment. “
Tickets start at $ 20 for adults and just $ 5 for children and will go on sale this week.