The Australian Open could be delayed to February 1

The start of the Australian Open it could go from its traditional date, in the second week of February, to February 1. The reason, according to the Sidney Morning Herald, is the two-week quarantine that the Australian authorities, specifically those of the state of Victoria, where Melbourne, the venue of the event, is located, plan to impose on tennis players.

If it was intended to start on January 18, as planned, the players would have to arrive in Australia very soon, also on festive dates. That is why the organizers, says the Australian newspaper, have been informing the participants that the event will probably begin the first week of February.

According to the same information, they were given a period “at the latest until January 7” to appear and be able to pass the relevant quarantine. On the other hand, both the WTA and the ATP have yet to announce that preliminary tournaments will mark the way to the first Grand Slam of the year.