With a history at Melbourne Park dating back to 1988 - when the Australian Open moved up the river from Kooyong - the hardcourt major has been secured for Melbourne for another 19 years until 2039.
After protracted negotiations between Tennis Australia and health authorities, quarantine plans for up to 1000 tennis players and support staff have been endorsed by the chief health officer. The Andrews government said it would continue to work with Tennis Australia to finalise a COVID-Safe Plan that ensures the safety of all parties. "Rigorous infection prevention and control measures will be central to these arrangements," the government said in a statement.Players will arrive down under in mid January before they will be required to complete a mandatory two-week quarantine period. They will be allowed to train during a five-hour window every day.