Australian Open chief admits it will take a few years before we see a ‘normal’ tournament again

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley admits the picture is not looking too rosy for the hard-court Grand Slam over the next few years, warning that they need to manage risks, cash flow and players’ expectations.
The Australian Open has always been one of the most-highly rated tennis events with Tiley often receiving high praise from players.
However, much like all sporting tournaments across the globe, the tournament will be forced to make drastic changes in terms of health and safety protocols as well as prize money due to the coronavirus.
Tennis Australia open to the idea of hosting additional ATP and WTA Tour events in 2021
Although they are confident that the 2021 Australian Open will take place at Melbourne Park with most top players set to compete, Tiley concedes it will be a “different” tournament not just next year, but for the foreseeable future.
“I’m of the view that these current adjustments will last longer than we think,” he told Daily Mail.
“We are already talking about different (Australian Open) scenarios for 2022, because we don’t think we will be repeating 2020 (the ‘normal’ Grand Slam event which took place in January) until at least 2023 or 2024.
“That’s how we are managing our risks and our cash flow. Professionally we need to be realistic and manage players’ expectations on money and opportunity and make sure that events can be sustainable for the future.”
There has been good news in recent days about a vaccine potentially becoming available before the end of 2020, but Tiley admits that many tennis tournaments won’t survive because of Covid-19.
“The reality is the money that is going to be available will be significantly compromised,” he said.
“I think the stronger events will survive, and those that were carrying a heavy financial load will not. It’s unrealistic to think that it’s not going to change. Even if you had a vaccine in March it is still going to be challenging for half of next year.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
News
Jamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis News
Battle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis Features
The only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin Palmer
Britain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis News
Lleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis Features
Five of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian Open
Five of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.