MELBOURNE, Nov 22: Tennis Australia says the dates for next year�s Australian Open in Melbourne should be known within two weeks.
Chief executive Craig Tiley was responding on Sunday to unsourced reports about the season-opening Grand Slam event might be pushed back until February, March or even later.
The tournament is scheduled to start on January 18. But questions remain over quarantine arrangements for players and their entourages � an estimated 2,500 people.
In a statement Tiley said Tennis Australia is �doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible.�
�Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform at their best and the fans to enjoy their efforts � all in an environment that is safe for all concerned,� he said.
Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews has said the government is working to smooth out any quarantine issues. The government�s previous reluctance to allow players to arrive before January 1 had been a stumbling block to confirming tournament dates. With a requirement to complete 14 days in managed isolation, players might not be released until days before matches begin. � AP
