Aussie Open players likely to be allowed to practice in quarantine
Talks between the tournament organizers and the Australian government are still ongoing.
The Melbourne Age has reported that players arriving for the Australian Open have been told they will get to train during the mandated two-week hotel quarantine. But the newspaper noted that Tennis Australia was not yet confirming that it has received such permission from the government of Victoria.
The newspaper said that "according to communication sent from the ATP to players," players will be allowed to enter starting the first week of the season and can train in a bubble during their required quarantine period.
Tennis Australian and the Victorian government have been in talks regarding arrangements for the Australian Open, including players entering amid the strict entry controls in place in the country.
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The Age also reported that players have not been told where they will be staying and have not been advised to make travel arrangements.
The note from the ATP, the Age added, informs players they will have to "strictly adhere" to protocols and "pushback of the Australian Open is still likely" to occur by one or two weeks. The delays will likely affect the type and amount of warm-up events, which had previously been moved to the Australian Open grounds at Melbourne to avoid further issues.
The government of Victoria is expected to issue an announcement soon on specific protocols for the Australian Open.