The organizers of the Australian Open in tennis, which has now been postponed by three weeks, expect all top stars to start on February 8, including the not yet perfectly fit Roger Federer. “We have promises from every player in the world to come to Australia,” said tournament director Craig Tiley said. Of course, a lot could happen, but every player named, including Federer.
The 20-time major winner from Switzerland had recently cast doubts as to whether he would be fit enough for Australia after two knee operations this year. He had told Swiss media that he was behind schedule in the recovery process. But Tiley said he had contact with Federer. “He said he was better off starting February 8th, but a lot will depend on how his recovery process goes over the next two to three weeks,” said Tiley.
The fact that the first Grand Slam tournament can even take place despite the coronavirus pandemic is thanks to the fact that the players are allowed to train up to five hours a day in a hotel despite the quarantine. The tournament should take place in front of up to 50 percent of the normal audience – in 2020 a total of 840,000 fans flocked to the facility during the tournament.
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