Sydney (AFP)

Australian Open official Craig Tiley said on Sunday that decisions about the tournament, due in January, will be made "soon".

Initially, the federation's general manager wanted the players to arrive in Australia in mid-December so that they could complete their 14-day quarantine before participating in the Grand Slam preparation tournaments.

But this project was questioned by the Prime Minister of the State of Victoria, Dan Andrews, recalling that Melbourne, at the heart of the second epidemic wave in Australia, had just emerged from long months of confinement.

Mr Andrews would like players to arrive only from the start of January, which would make it virtually impossible to hold the ATP Cup and several other tournaments before the Open kicks off (January 18-31).

It is also not certain that players will be allowed to train during their quarantine period.

"Tennis Australia is doing its utmost to finalize the summer tennis season as soon as possible," Tiley said in a statement.

"We are working closely with the government of the State of Victoria on a program that takes into account the needs of players, fans, our partners and staff, and which is of great importance to the economy of this state and to Australia, ”he said.

"We are continuing our discussions with local health authorities regarding quarantine and biosecurity requirements and are confident that we will make decisions quickly."

According to the Melbourne daily, Age, the Open could be postponed for one to two weeks, and would start no earlier than February 1.

But the Melbourne newspaper, Herald Sun, said it could be postponed until early March.

"Tennis Australia is very much aware of the need for certainty, but also of the need to find a solution with the state government in order to ensure the safety of the whole community," said Mr. Tiley.

Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal said it was an unprecedented situation and urged players to be patient.

"We just have to be patient and accept the situation. It's difficult for everyone," said the world number 2, after his lost semi-final at the ATP Masters in London on Saturday to Russia's 3-6 winner Daniil Medvedev. , 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.

"We have to be flexible and find a way to play as many tournaments as possible next year," added the Mallorcan.

© 2020 AFP