Some 1,200 players and coaching staff are set to begin arriving in Melbourne this week for the Australian Open but the strict COVID-19 protocols imposed by Victoria's government has prompted American John Isner to skip the year's first Grand Slam. Rod Laver Arena Photo: PHOTOSPORT Victoria, once the country's COVID-19 hotspot, said it was imposing the strongest protocols seen at any tennis tournament for those arriving on 15 chartered flights for the Feb. 8-21 event, which was delayed by three weeks due to the pandemic. Players and staff must isolate for two weeks before taking part in warmup events at Melbourne Park, which is also the venue for the Australian Open, from Jan. 31.