Government ‘bail-out’ for Tennis Australia

The Victorian State government in Australia is in talks with Tennis Australia to help it cover the cost of delaying the Australian Open and quarantining players.

State Treasurer Tim Pallas said the government would help with some costs because of the the importance of the event to the State.

The Open is expected to begin on February 8 – three weeks later than scheduled – with players arriving from the second week of January and quarantining for 14-days.

“There will be some costs associated with the relocation of the event because of the timing issues. There’ll also be costs associated with quarantine arrangements,” Mr Pallas said today.

“The Australian Open of course is a vitally important part of our sporting calendar but it’s also vitally important for Tennis Australia and its ongoing viability so we are conscious of the fact that we will be in discussions with them about what constitutes an appropriate recognition of what they’re doing to put on this event.

“I’ve made it clear I that expect to get some value back for the state of Victoria as a consequence of those engagements.

“We’re working with them to assist them in being able to continue to provide this great sporting event.

“There will be a cost associated with the timing … essentially a cost to the state and a cost to TA.

“The state will happily provide support … it allows us to put on this event safely.”

The treasurer would still not confirm the tournament dates when asked and said the Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton was still involved in signing off quarantine arrangements.

Players are set to be allowed to train in quarantine for five hours a day – on-court practice, in the gym and for on-site nutrition and dining.

They will be tested five times over the 14 days and must test negative two days before arriving in the country.

They must remain in their hotel room at all other times.