Which Crown Hotel will act as a quarantine hub for the Australian Open?

One of Southbank’s Crown hotels will become a tennis quarantine hub for when players arrive in Melbourne in January

Sources close to the negotiations between Tennis Australia and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are of the opinion that Crown will be one of the hotels used to accommodate tennis players whilst they quarantine for 14 days, during which time they will be permitted to practice.

This 14 day hotel quarantine will be mandatory for all players and their support staff.

During this time players and their entourages will have to ensure they have no contact with the public as they make their way directly to and from the tennis centre from their hotels.

Players were notified last week by the ATP that the quarantine period was probably going to begin on 8 January, however players were advised not to book any travel yet.

"There are strict current limitations on the number of people allowed entry into Australia. A possible [one] or two week push-back of the Australian Open is still likely," the note said.

"Final determination on COVID-19 protocols, close contract procedures and player support teams will be released soon."

Players are patiently waiting to hear from Tennis Australia.

Any delay of the tournament could affect the rest of the ATP and WTA tennis events, including Grand Slams.

AHD - 2nd December 2020