Despite $1 Billion Backing, Australian Open in Troubled Waters as China Scare Looms Over
Follow Us
COVID-19 had been severe for the world community in all respect; health, wealth, and life among others. However, as the ghastly cloud of the horrors of the pandemic dispersed; another trouble surrounds the host of the first Grand Slam of the season; the Australian Open. It is scheduled to commence on January 16, 2023.
With COVID-19 emptying coffers of the Tennis Australia, there have been talks about the Australian Open to transfer, interstate, Sydney, or even overseas, China from its current location, Melbourne.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Australia to lose its iconic Grand Slam?
The year 2020 and 2021 were the toughest for the community, as similar was the case with the Australian Open. Not only it was delayed due to the prevalent pandemic but also, there were added costs of precaution, to limit the spread in the worst-case scenario.
Massive News for Dominic Thiem and American Star Taylor Townsend After Australian Open Offers Them a Bonus
When the Australian Open was finally held after COVID-19, it was seen as a ray of hope for things getting back on track to normalcy. However, before entering the courts, the players had to be in quarantine for almost 2 weeks, in addition to restricted revenue sources. As the spectators’ capacity was capped at 50%, to follow the COVID-19 guidelines. As a result, Tennis Australia exhausted its $80mn reserves in just 15 months, in the wake of a delayed Major in 2021.
Trending
‘I Was Already Salty’- Serena Williams Pokes Husband Alexis Ohanian Over His $180 Million Master-Stroke for Their Daughter Olympia
May 03, 2024 08:01 PM EDT
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s Nail-Biting Madrid Final Forces Chris Evert to Break Her Long-Drawn Silence With a Stirring Message
May 04, 2024 10:39 PM EDT
Coco Gauff Soars to New Heights With $5.3 Billion Worth Sponsor as She Announces Delightful Sneaker Surprise for Fans
May 04, 2024 07:30 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Joins Iga Swiatek in Giving a Cold Shoulder to Coco Gauff as WTA Big 3 Debate Rages On
May 03, 2024 05:11 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Golf-Obsessed Husband Alexis Ohanian Can’t Contain His Excitement for Tiger Woods’ TGL as 8 Months Countdown Is Underway
May 04, 2024 11:01 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Although, according to the contract, Melbourne still has 23 years more, to host the iconic Australian Open. However, the CEO, Craig Tiley, of a cash-strapped tournament, is in talks with Sydney and Shanghai to move the tournament, where it can be better funded. As to keep up with the other three Majors, Melbourne needs new stadiums and courts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open
After being unable to play at the Melbourne, last year. Tides have turned in favor of the Serb. The 21-time Grand Slam champion has been granted a temporary visa, contrary to last year’s visa ban, due to his vaccination stand. It cost the former World No 1 many tournament entries.
WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic’s epic finals against Rafael Nadal, .. at the Australian Open
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The CEO also praised Djokovic’s form and even claimed that the Serb is currently the best in the world. Many Djokovic fans would concur, and further added that Australian fans would appreciate the Serb’s play.
Will Rafael Nadal defend his Melbourne crown or Djokovic would claim it? What do you think? Do let us know in the comments.
Edited by:
Hitesh Nigam