As we edge closer to the summer of tennis in Australia, it appears unlikely that Australian Open qualifying will go ahead. As Tennis Australia await a decision from the government on the number of players that can come into the country, it is our understanding that the doubles & wheelchair events will not be affected.
However, at this stage it looks like qualifying for the men's and women's singles draws is in serious doubt, according to The First Serve host Brett Phillips.
"It is my understanding that Australian Open qualifying is a less than 50% chance of happening. The tours view is for qualifying to only go ahead if Challenger and or ITF events post qualifying could go ahead. It's not worth players coming all the way to Australia if they get knocked out in the first round of qualifying and have no other playing opportunities," Phillips said.
As Tennis Australia look at all possible options to allow a qualifying draw to go ahead, it's understood that a qualifying event in Dubai is an option.
"I understand the possibility of playing qualifying in Dubai has been discussed and is an option," Phillips stated.
However, this option appears unlikely as it would mean Australian players would have to do two more weeks of quarantine for those that have already done it recently.
As Tennis Australia look to secure playing opportunities for players in the lead up to the Australian Open, February 1 is firming to be the opening day of the tournament, allowing players to compete in a lead up event before the first grand slam of 2021.