THE Australian Open has been confirmed to go ahead with the ATP detailing that the event will run on February 8-21, three weeks later than its normal start date.

It will be somewhat of an unprecedented start to the summer with the qualifiers for the Australian Open set to be held in Doha, Qatar from January 10-13. This move will allow the players enough time to come to Australia and quarantine for the designated two-week period due to the COVID-19 enforced restrictions.

There will be three other events prior to the lead up of the Grand Slam, with two 250 ATP tournaments such as the Adelaide International, which has been relocated to Melbourne set to take place. The Adelaide International will run from January 31 to February 6 while another tournament will run concurrently with those dates, coinciding for when players are out of quarantine.

The highly successful and revamped ATP Cup will also go ahead next year with reigning champs Serbia hoping to make it another successful tournament. However, the ATP Cup size has been reduced from 24 teams to 12 for the upcoming tournament, but is still set to bring plenty of a-grade tennis.

It is understood that players will be able to train while in quarantine, however it will be under a watchful eye and with strict protocols.

ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi played a huge role in getting the summer of tennis up and running, having to figure out logistics alongside balancing the needs and wants of players, with Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic highlighting his desire to have lead-up tournaments to the Grand Slam.

“I hope that there is going to be support and understanding from the Victorian and Australian Government for the players and for Tennis Australia and that they will allow players to compete in the second week of quarantine,” he said at the ATP finals. “Having no official match before the Australian Open, before a grand slam, is a huge thing.”

With the environment constantly changing, Gaudenzi is aware of the support he has received while also prioritising the welfare of the players to ensure the tournament can actually go ahead.

“Together with the support of our tournament and player members, partners, and Tennis Australia, we have been able to adapt and create an exciting start to the season,” he said. “Health and safety will continue to be paramount as we navigate the challenges ahead, and I want to thank everyone involved for their commitment to finding solutions to launch our 2021 season.”