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Roger Federer of Switzerland looks dejected during his match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during Day Seven of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on in London, England. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
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Roger Federer of Switzerland looks dejected during his match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during Day Seven of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on in London, England. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
The follow-up tournament of the Australian Grand Slam, Rotterdam Open, might have to change dates to accommodate the Australian Open. Currently, the major tournament at Melbourne Park is battling a schedule crisis and will probably be pushed a few weeks. In such a case, players will receive an inadequate break. As a result, Richard Krajicek, tournament director of Rotterdam, is on-hold to call players including Roger Federer.
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Read More: Australian Open 2021 Reportedly Set to Commence from February 1
Scheduled from Feb 6-14, the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament has confirmed two players for its 48 edition. Along with World No. 4 Daniil Medvedev and Italian sensation Jannik Sinner, 30 players will sign up for the event. However, before dialing up the players, the tournament director wants to wait for confirmation from Australia.
“No, not even Roger Federer”: Tournament Director
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 24: Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after winning a point during his Men’s Singles third round match against John Millman of Australia on day five of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
After 47 successful seasons in Rotterdam Ahoy, the ATP 500 event will face coronavirus measures for the first time. To answer whether he contacted Roger Federer, Richard said, “No, not even to him. I just want to wait.”
Federer won his 97th ATP title at Rotterdam in 2018.
He continued, “When negotiating with players, I only have to talk about facts, not in terms like ‘what if’.”
Even though the tournament is set to host 3,500 fans, its fate totally depends on Australia. Richard Krajicek, on the other hand, is positive regarding his tournament.
Federer to play at Australian Open 2021
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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)
It has been a definite challenge to host and organize tennis tournaments under the given pandemic scenario. And, although Rotterdam does not face any immediate danger, it faces the effects of being a Slam’s shadow. The retired Dutch tennis player relays the situation of the tournament.
“If Australia goes to March or April: fine. That is not unfavorable. Then we will be in the first series of tournaments of the year and players want nothing more than to play. That can actually have a good effect on our field of participants,” explained Krajicek.
Expected to confirm its final date in the coming days, the first Grand Slam of 2021 is likely to shift from its scheduled date of January 16. The question is: will Federer opt-out from the Rotterdam Open because of a tight calendar? Or will he repeat what he did in on three occasions in the Netherlands – lift the trophy?
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