Australian Open Tennis Director Craig Tiley.
Tennis Australia, ČTK / AP
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“We are absolutely convinced that the Australian Open will start as scheduled on Monday, and we do not expect a change in the program,” said Tiley on behalf of the organizers.
However, the organizers had to reschedule the Australian Open singles draw, which was supposed to take place today, but will not take place until Friday.
A blow to tennis! Organizers will suspend tournaments in Melbourne due to coronavirus
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Today, the tennis complex remained practically empty, with minimal training and none of the six preparatory events. Over 500 players and members of the implementation teams had to undergo preventive tests for covid-19 and wait for the results. “Back in quarantine,” Barbora Krejčíková wrote on social networks.
“We expect all tests to be negative, the probability of infection is low. The plan is to return to play on Friday,” Tiley said.
In addition to Krejčíková, Jiří Veselý, Karolína Muchová and Markéta Vondroušová from Czech players are also playing in the tournaments. In addition to coronavirus, however, the weather is also likely to come into play, as it is forecast to rain on Friday. It could be played on three courts with a retractable roof and another nine in the hall. The tournament system may also be modified. They should culminate on Sunday.
Jastrem will lose the Australian Open, CAS has rejected her appeal
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The beginning of the introductory grand slam of the season was postponed from the original date in mid-January to February 8, so that about 1,200 foreign participants could go through a fortnight’s quarantine upon arrival in the country. Most of the players were able to leave the hotel for several hours a day and train, but a group of 72 tennis players, including four Czechs, were isolated without the possibility of leaving their rooms due to their fellow passengers.
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