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A general view inside Rod Laver Arena at sunset during the Men’s Singles Final match betwen Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
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A general view inside Rod Laver Arena at sunset during the Men’s Singles Final match betwen Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
As we come closer to the Australian Open 2021, the issues surrounding it change almost every day. Since the pandemic first emerged, it has produced many obstacles in our day-to-day lives. Any event which caters to a large audience has been hit severely.
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As we’re well aware, the Australian Open is one of the most attended events in the calendar year. But due to the effects of COVID-19, this year the event is going to be organized in a different manner. After numerous rounds of discussions, authorities have decided to allow 50% occupancy for spectators to attend.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Tennis Australia has to make use of its reserves in order to provide funding for the sport. While speaking to the chief of Tennis Australia, Craig Tiley, he said, “We believe that recovery from the pandemic will take up to five years. We also expect that we will use the majority of our reserves in maintaining funding for the sport and playing group.”
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – A general view of Rod Laver Arena during day six of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
Tennis Australia: Maintaining Cash Flow Is Crucial
Tennis Australia is also exploring opportunities with regard to receiving some kind of credit or considering taking a loan. Elaborating further, Craig Tiley added, “As a result of these costs we are exploring options for a line of credit and/or a loan which will allow us to maintain cash flow at critical times and support us in the recovery from the impacts of the pandemic once access to government subsidies have ended.”
In order for the event to take place, safety measures are of topmost priority. The ease with which the virus spreads makes it even more dangerous. As a result, players will be placed in a bubble. They would have to quarantine themselves all along the course of the tournament.
The costs will certainly be higher than in previous years as this would be another added cost due to the pandemic. From the A$80 million, more than A$40 million will be used on quarantine and biosecurity operations.
