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FILE – Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates by winning a point on his comeback against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas during the men’s singles semi-final match on day seven of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at London’s O2 Arena on November 16, 2019. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)
Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the registrations announced Thursday for the coronavirus-stricken Australian Open, and tournament director Craig Tiley promised a “happy Slam” after months of careful planning.
All of the best players in the world have signed, led by world number 1s Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty.
There was a question mark about the great Swiss Federer, who warned this month that he was in a “race against time” to get fit after two rounds of knee surgery.
But he has started training in Dubai and was among those signed up to play at Melbourne Park as he is aiming for a seventh title.
American superstar Williams, who like Federer will turn 40 next year, is also engaged as she once again tries to match Margaret Court as a 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Her last major league win came in Australia in 2017 when she was pregnant.
“There are so many great stories for AO 2021,” Tiley said.
“Serena is seeking her eighth title, while Novak, who often seems invincible at Melbourne Park, is seeking a record ninth title.
“Our own world number one Ash Barty will return to Grand Slam competition, as will Roger Federer when he returns from injury.”
The inaugural Grand Slam of the year, which will be played in front of at least 50 percent of the normal crowds, was delayed three weeks to February 8.
All players must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival, during which they will be constantly screened for Covid-19, but will be allowed to train for five hours a day in a biosecure bubble.
“Although the AO will look a little different from previous years, everyone’s safety is our top priority,” said Tiley.
“We have the opportunity to host a very safe and happy Slam, and give the players the experience of competing in front of the crowd again, something they have missed most of this year.”
The men’s and women’s qualifiers will take place in Doha and Dubai respectively from January 10-13, and players will arrive in Melbourne starting January 15 on special charter flights.
A reduced 12-team ATP Cup, the relocated Adelaide International and an ATP 250 tournament will all be played in Melbourne once the players emerge from isolation.
Two WTA 500 tournaments are also planned to be held simultaneously at Melbourne Park from January 31 to February 7.
Melbourne only emerged from a months-long lockdown in October following a second wave of Covid-19, complicating planning for the Grand Slam and how to allow so many players and support personnel to enter the country safely.
Australia has largely contained the coronavirus, although a new outbreak in Sydney last week prompted new restrictions in parts of the city and even state border closures.
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