This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of the Australian Open hangs in the balance. The season-opening Grand Slam, scheduled to take place in Melbourne from January 18-31, is facing an uncertain fate.
According to Tennis Australia, the event may be cancelled if the pandemic worsens, with the organisation looking at a range of options to mitigate the risk. These possibilities include cancellation, imposing quarantine on overseas players, and allowing only Australian fans into the event.
‘We’ve certainly made no secret about the number of scenarios that we’re looking at,’ a Tennis Australia spokeswoman told AFP. ‘We’re hoping for the best but planning for everything.’
The organisation is working closely with government officials to ensure that all necessary protocols are in place to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. However, with global borders closed and travel restrictions in place, it remains to be seen whether the event can go ahead as planned.
Other major tennis events, including Wimbledon and the French Open, have already been affected by the pandemic. Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War II, while the French Open has been postponed until the end of September.
