At the season-ending ATP Finals the focus of players is usually on the event but this year they have to contend with the unwanted extra of trying to work out what to do during their off-season.
Earlier this week the local government in the Australian state of Victoria refused to approve a plan that would have welcomed an estimated 550 players to the area next month. The decision has sent ripples throughout the sport with unanswered questions left over what tournaments will be played, if any, outside of the Australian Open in January. The issue isn’t the players arriving in the country on January 1st. It is the fact they will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
“I’m planning to play Australian Open for sure. I would like to go there and I’m ready to quarantine for two weeks and whatever is necessary for me to be able to play,” reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic said after his loss to Daniil Medvedev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday.
“I hope that there is going to be support and understanding from the Victorian and Australian government for the players and for Tennis Australia and that they will allow players to compete in the second week of quarantine.”
It has been reported by Australian sources that at present officials have said no to allowing players to participate in competitive matches whilst in quarantine. Although they are allowed to practice during that period. Should this prove to be the case, there will be just four days between quarantine ending and the first Grand Slam of 2021 starting. Leading to some thinking that a slight delay to the Australian Open appears to be the most logical solution.
“I just hope the Australian Open happens because right now everything is so unsure that we don’t know. Australia is definitely one of my favourite slams, and I would love to go there next year,” Alexander Zverev commented.
“Credit to Tennis Australia and to Craig Tiley. I think they are doing the best they can. I think the Australian government is being very cautious about it,” he added.
Diego Schwartzman believes the best approach to the situation is a case of wait and see. After the ATP Finals he will return back to his native Argentina where there are currently no direct flights to Australia. The French Open semi-finalist points out that travel to the region during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will be better for some than others.
“I think it depends on where you are from and what your plans are for the start of the year. So every single case, every single player is going to be a different scenario, so I will see what we do.” He said.
Bruno Soares, who is from Brazil and is a member of the ATP players Council, is another to speak out about the potential travel complexities. Although he has played down any serious concerns by pledging his full confidence in the tennis Authorities.
“I trust what they are doing, how they work,” he said. “They have always been very supportive in helping players, so I think we’ve got to be patient.’
“It’s crazy times. I think Australia even has managed to control the virus, and we know they don’t want any other foreign people maybe bringing something. So I guess it’s time to be patient and let them do the work and hope the government helps us to have a good summer.”
There are ongoing discussions going on behind the scene with Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, who had initially planned for Victoria to host a series of tennis tournaments at the start of next year. Although it is unclear as to what the final verdict will be.
Unfortunately for Tiley, he will not be the one who has the ultimate say – it will be the government. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has reiterated that his main focus is on the safety of those he is in charge of. Although he has shown support for the creation of a ‘players bubble’ which is a major aspect of Tennis Australia’s plan.
“Whilst I mean no disrespect … I think the safety of Victorians is my priority. There’ll be some inconvenience for tennis players and their support teams for a little while longer while we finalise these detailed, detailed arrangements,” Andrews stated.
The Australian Open is set to start on January 18th.
