2021 Australian Open master plan: Five ‘bio-secure bubbles’, full prize money, limited crowds

Australian Open organisers are pressing ahead with plans to host the 2021 tournament in its usual slot with full prize money, but they have come up with contingency plans should COVID-19 cause further havoc.
With no end in sight to the coronavirus pandemic, there are major clouds hanging over not only the remainder of the 2020 tennis calendar, but also the 2021 one.
To add to the uncertainty, Victoria has had a surge in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, leading to neighbouring New South Wales offering to stage the Australian Open and other sporting events.
Australian Open chief says ‘thanks, but no thanks’ after NSW offers to host 2021 Grand Slam
However, Tennis Australia chief executive and Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley insists Melbourne will host the 2021 event in January, but they do have alternative plans in place.
Five “bio-secure bubbles” will be opened across Australia six weeks before the tournament gets underway, ticket sales will start in October while if push comes to shove they could move the event to later in the year.
“We’re going to open our bio bubble from the first of December and players can come at any time,” Tiley told Reuters.
“When the players arrive, our expectation is they’re not going to be in a hotel for 14 days like the current requirements are. We’ll have an exemption within this bio-secure bubble.
“We’ve said every year that we’re the ‘happy slam’. But now we’re saying we’re the ‘very safe and happy Slam’.”
Just over 800,000 people attended this year’s Australian Open, but Tiley says they hope to have 400,000 fans at next year’s tournament.
“Scenario three was behind closed doors, a broadcast-only event. Scenario four was moving to another time of the year,” he said.
“And scenario five is no event at all.”
He added: “We’ve established a strategy and an operational plan for all our fans and how they will be positioned around the site.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios has mixed feelings ahead of Daniil Medvedev showdown
Nick Kyrgios faces a test of his rich vein of form.
-
News
Cameron Norrie carries British hopes in Montreal as Andy Murray falls
Norrie is chasing his third ATP Tour title of the year after going down in straight sets to Daniil Medvedev in the final in Los Cabos.
-
US Open
Serena Williams retirement: Greg Rusedski not discounting ‘box office’ Serena to retire on a high at US Open
Serena Williams to bow out on a high by winning the US Open?
-
News
Serena Williams retirement: Tennis might never see such a remarkable icon ever again
The remarkable career of Serena Williams is drawing to a close.
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams’ greatest milestones as she prepares to bid farewell: Open Era Grand Slam record, prize money
Serena Williams has had quite a career.
-
WTA Tour
Serena Williams confirms she will retire after US Open, but doesn’t want ‘ceremonial, final on-court moment’
Time to shed a tear or two, the great Serena Wiliams is to retire after the US Open.
-
WTA Tour
WATCH: Serena Williams wins superb rally, says she went into ‘mom mode’ after spotting daughter in the crowd
Serena Williams wins incredible shot after brilliant defensive work – and her daughter was there to see it.
-
ATP Tour
Alexander Zverev gives positive injury update, but withdraws from Cincy with US Open also in doubt
A fitness update from Alexander Zverev.
-
News
LTA’s first pro padel event in Great Britain a major success as Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez win big
Congratulations to Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez as well as Bram Meijer and Sten Richters.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Roger Federer keeps his promise to young fan in awe-inspiring video
If this video from Roger Federer and Zizou doesn’t make you smile today, then nothing will.