Australian Open organisers are “confident” the first Grand Slam of the year will go ahead as planned on Monday, despite 160 players waiting for the results of coronavirus tests.
More than 500 people connected to the tournament were told to isolate by Melbourne health officials yesterday after a hotel worker tested positive.
Play at six warm-up events and the draws were postponed today so the draws will take place tomorrow.
Players will be allowed out of isolation once they return a negative test.
On Thursday afternoon, Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley provided a series of updates during a press conference including the news that 507 tests were carried out for the casual contacts at the Grand Hyatt. 160 of those tested were players.
He also confirmed that the Australian Open draws are delayed until Friday afternoon having originally been scheduled to be made at 6pm on Thursday.
As of now, there is no plan to push back the start date of February 8th and organisers are preparing contingency plans to address inclement weather in the forecast, and are optimistic all six tournaments can be finished by Sunday if play resumes Friday.
Health Authorities have advised us that a Hotel Quarantine worker has tested positive for COVID-19.
Those associated with the AO who quarantined at the hotel now need to be tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 3, 2021
