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The 2021 tennis season is officially underway with Australian Open tuneup events taking place in Melbourne.
COVID-19 has dramatically altered the lead-up to the first Grand Slam, though tournament director Craig Tiley is adamant the event will go on as scheduled.
Here are five storylines to watch when the action begins Sunday evening.
How will COVID-19 impact the tournament? DAVID GRAY / AFP / Getty
The Australian Open was the only Grand Slam unaffected by the coronavirus pandemic last year. However, COVID-19 looms large as the 2021 edition nears. The major was pushed back three weeks from its original start date to allow players to travel and then quarantine for two weeks before competing.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said borders would only be closed as an absolute last resort .(Nine) The last time and the only time we closed the border to Victoria was when they had in excess of 150 cases a day, she said. At this stage while yes it s always concerning when the virus gets out of the quarantine system ⦠we are yet to see any data the virus circulating in the community and NSW always likes to see the facts and the scene and get expert advice. Now that could change ⦠but I ve not received any advice that there is confirmed cases outside the ones that have already been identified in both Victoria and WA.
2021 Australian Open: Youngsters to watch
2021 Australian Open: Youngsters to watch
Over the last two decades or so, both men’s and women’s tennis has been dominated by the same old names. Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have mostly stolen the headlines and won Grand Slam trophies galore. But, in more recent times, especially in the women’s game, we have started to see young players challenge the seasoned professionals on all fronts.
The WTA Tour rankings are dominated with breakthrough players, including Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Bartley and Sofia Kenin, whilst the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsisipas and Alexander Zverev have the big three constantly looking over their shoulders in the men’s game.