Rafael Nadal’s win at the French Open 2020 is still fresh in the minds of tennis fans, but onlookers may not have to wait long to see the famed tennis star at the next Grand Slam tournament. Nadal announced he is being “smart” about his schedule commitments following the win at Roland Garros.
His comments have led many to wonder if he will play at the Australian Open 2021 tournament. The Australian Open was the only Grand Slam tennis tournament not to be thrown into chaos by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, organisers are planning the event’s return which could welcome fans back into the stands. Fans are already anticipating the
Australian Open as it serves up the first Grand Slam action of the new tennis season. Roger Federer and Serena Williams have both agreed to play, and fans are debating whether the two greats can win their respective part of the tournament. Tennis fans can use the bet365 nj bonus code to wager on the matches when the Australian Open starts down under.
The Australian Open’s tournament director, Craig Tiley revealed hopes that the event will be able to welcome spectators. Up to 50% of the three main arenas’ seating capacity could be filled by fans when the tournament starts.
Players competing at the Australian Open will need to arrive earlier than usual to play in the tournament dubbed as “The Happy Slam”. The first match of the Australian Open will be played on January 18. Players must quarantine for two weeks before they can compete in the event. Speculation is that most players will need to be in Australia by mid-December to quarantine and participate in preparations to play.
Quarantine will take place in cities around Australia as the tournament’s organisers set up bubbles. The bubbles will allow each player to go from their hotel to the tennis court quickly and easily. Australia’s AFL (Aussie Rules Football) and NRL (rugby) have similar bubbles allowing players to remain segregated and safe.
Federer and Williams are two of the big names of the sport to already commit to the Australian Open. The former is coming off of a season in which he shut down during the sport’s hiatus. Federer suffered complications from surgery to his right knee and took the time off to rehab his leg. The Swiss tennis star has won the Australian Open four times in his career.
Williams is also coming off of a season that ended prematurely due to injury. She withdrew from the French Open with an Achilles tendon injury. Williams has claimed seven Australian Open titles.
Up to 50% of the main arenas’ capacity could be filled up with fans. The stadiums have a combined capacity of 32,500. Attendance figures could change due to the roofs of each arena being left up to allow air to circulate.
Melbourne Park is the largest of all Grand Slam venues. The size of the venue will allow organisers to set up a safe environment for players, staff, and fans. Sports leagues such as the AFL, NRL, NBA, and NHL have all had success using large venues in which the teams remain isolated.
