Melbourne Park Australian Open Day 10 29/01/20 Shadow of Alexander Zverev (GER) as he wins quarter final beating Stan Wawrinka (SUI) in four sets. Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
Quarantine stress and lack of match fitness will be no excuse for players, with men still required to play the best of five sets when the delayed Australian Open gets underway on February 8.
Local supremo Craig Tiley laid down the law to competitors after an initiative to cut the matches to best-of-three in view of the quarantine chaos currently reigning in Melbourne.
“We are a Grand Slam tournament,” Tiley told host broadcaster Nine Network.
“The rule is three winning sets for men and two for women. We will not give that up.”
Due to a handful of positive COVID-19 tests on incoming charter flights, up to 100 tennis visitors – players and support staff – are currently serving no-exit isolation decrees.
Some players caught in the predicament had suggested the dialing back of matches due to their restrictions on not leaving their rooms for 14 days.
Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…