The Australian Open bubble is doubled: a group of 50 people, led by the three best players from the ATP and WTA circuits, will be quarantined in Adelaide, 654 kilometers from Melbourne, the city of the Open d Australia where the rest of the 1,000 participants (between players and members of their respective teams) will spend the two weeks of self-isolation – global transport will include 18 charter flights from seven cities.
The top three players from both rankings (Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Thiem on one side, Barty, Halep and Osaka on the other) will certainly be part of this group, and likely their training partners (including Sinner, partner by Rafa.
) will be grouped together. At the end of the quarantine (which will play out in the same way as Melbourne), the top three ATP and WTA (and possibly others too) will play an exhibition tournament between January 29 and 30 before move to Melbourne, where they will participate in their respective preparation tournaments.
The news had been announced by various Austrian media following the advances of Wolfgang Thiem, father of the Dominator and leader of the Austrian expedition for the ATP Cup, but was only confirmed overnight, Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia, who also confirmed that the Happy Slam will be open at 50-75 percent of usual audience capacity.
In a recent podcast, coach Roger Rasheed said Roger Federer is second to none when it comes to his contribution to tennis.
Rasheed reflects on the GOAT debate.
Roger Rasheed believes that while Roger Federer can still win another Wimbledon title, the 39-year-old is not as invested in it as he is in winning the elusive gold medal Olympic singles.
“If he gets another Slam title, it will probably be Wimbledon,” Rasheed said. “Roland-Garros is a physically difficult and demanding tournament. So yes it would be exceptional if he wins (Paris).
Is he looking for it greedily? Probably not. Would he want to win an Olympic gold medal? Yes, that would kind of close his book on an incredible run. ”The Australian also believes that it is a matter of time before Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic surpass Roger Federer’s tally of 20 Grand Slams, given that ‘they’re both of age on their side.
“You have to be well aware and understand that Novak is much younger in age, so you have the feeling that he will be chasing the 3 Grand Slams,” Rasheed continued. “Novak Djokovic has definitely put this on his agenda.
Rafael Nadal will also be around for a bit longer. Five years ago people ignored him, saying his body was finished, well he looks just as strong now ”
–
