Australian Open chief Craig Tiley mentioned Sunday he anticipated “selections quickly” on preparations for the event after studies mentioned it may very well be shifted from its normal January slot, whereas Rafael Nadal urged gamers to be affected person.

Tiley had initially needed gamers to start out arriving in Australia from mid-December so they may bear a compulsory 14-day quarantine earlier than enjoying conventional warm-up occasions earlier than the Grand Slam.

However that plan was thrown into doubt by Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews, significantly since Melbourne solely just lately emerged from a months-long lockdown to get rid of a second wave of Covid-19.

Andrews reportedly solely desires gamers to reach from early January, which might make all of it however unattainable to carry the high-profile ATP Cup and different tournaments earlier than the scheduled begin of the Open on January 18.

It additionally stays unclear whether or not gamers will probably be allowed to coach throughout quarantine.

“Tennis Australia is doing all the things we are able to to finalise the summer time of tennis as quickly as potential,” Tiley mentioned in a press release.

“We’re working intently with the Victorian authorities on a plan that takes into consideration the wants of the gamers, followers, our companions and workers, and is of main profit to the Victorian and Australian financial system.

“We’re persevering with our pressing talks with native well being authorities relating to quarantining and bio-security necessities and are assured we could have selections quickly.”

The Melbourne Age newspaper mentioned it understood the Open would probably be delayed by one or two weeks, with February 1 rising as a potential begin date.

However the Melbourne Herald Solar mentioned it may very well be pushed again so far as early March.

“Tennis Australia is aware of the necessity for certainty, but additionally acutely aware of reaching an answer with the state authorities that ensures the protection of the whole neighborhood,” mentioned Tiley.

Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Nadal mentioned it was an unprecedented scenario and urged persistence from gamers.

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“We simply have to be affected person and settle for the scenario that we face. That’s troublesome for everybody,” he mentioned on the ATP Finals in London.

“We have to be versatile to know the scenario and to discover a technique to play as many tournaments as potential subsequent 12 months.”

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