Reuters
Tennis – ATP Finals – The O2, London, Britain – November 15, 2020 Austria’s Dominic Thiem reacts during his group stage match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Reuters
Tennis – ATP Finals – The O2, London, Britain – November 15, 2020 Austria’s Dominic Thiem reacts during his group stage match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
It’s been a while since the 2020 season has ended, but the precautionary measures still continue to overlook events for the next year. With the Australian Open being the first major of the season, there are uncertainties that still loom large over this year’s edition. Tennis ace Dominic Thiem’s father shares a similar feeling.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
The coronavirus has certainly made matters difficult when it comes to ensuring basic functionality. There are mixed reactions to having the event conducted sooner, while there are some who want to postpone it further. Not so long ago, there were rumors with regard to conducting the qualifiers in other cities like Doha, Dubai, or Singapore.
With things remaining unsure with regard to the opening day of the Australian Open, Wolfgang Thiem (Dominic Thiem’s father) spoke on this matter.
Getty
A general view of Melbourne Park during day five of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 18, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Dominic Thiem’s father: No play until March?
Wolfgang said, “My last piece of information is that Australia will start in the first week of February and entry should take place on January 8th. But there are also rumors that you might not play at all, play in March, etc. By the end of this week, reliable information from Australia should finally be on the table. Then you know when to start and it is easier to plan. But I wouldn’t be surprised if that was called off completely or wasn’t played until March.”
According to Wolfgang, the Australian Government has done a fair job in keeping the numbers low as far as the cases are concerned. He also felt that players not being able to practice during the quarantine period can have a negative effect. He said, “They also have so few cases. If you let all the athletes in now, the whole thing could collapse again. That would not be acceptable for the athletes, it would not be feasible. You have to be able to train despite the quarantine.”
(Quotes have been translated)
Also Read: “Could Have Won or Lost All Three”: Wolfgang Confident Dominic Thiem is Close to Finished Package
The date decided on by the officials for the Australian Open is February 8. With a fair amount of agitation going on, fans are eager for things to be finalized in order to witness a successful Australian Open 2021.
