The Australian Open will 'most likely' be delayed by at least a week, a government minister responsible for the tournament has said.
Martin Pakula, the state of Victoria’s sport and major events minister, told reporters he had seen reports the year’s first tennis major was "likely to be delayed by a week or two".
"I think that’s still the most likely. But it’s not the only option. As you know, the French Open was delayed by many months and Wimbledon didn’t occur at all," he said outside the Victorian Parliament.
"I still think it’s much more likely that it will be a shorter rather than longer delay. I don’t want to unduly repeat myself but these are very complex negotiations."
It comes days after organisers said they hoped to finalise tournament dates "as soon as possible" amid speculation January’s event could be moved to February or March.
Current Covid-19 quarantine restrictions in Australia would make holding the first grand slam of 2021 in its planned 18-31 January slot logistically difficult.
At present, players would need to quarantine for two weeks on arrival in Australia while Victoria will reportedly not allow them to enter before 1 January.
That would have a big impact on warm-up tournaments and players’ general ability to train and prepare.
Mr Pakula said: "The exact nature of that quarantine, whether or not it’s their own bubble, or something more common, is still part of those conversations.
"The quarantine requirements will be those that are ultimately agreed with the public health and then it will be a matter for the ATP and the WTA about whether or not they are acceptable."
"An extremely rigorous testing regime will apply to the players both before they leave the port that they come in from and when they arrive. And then I imagine consistently through the time they’re in their bubble."
Hours earlier, Andy Murray said he believes tennis players should be compelled to have a coronavirus vaccination in order to play in tournaments.
World number one Novak Djokovic generated headlines earlier this year for anti-vaccination comments. He later said that he was not against vaccinations, but did not like the idea of being forced to have one.
