Despite positive tests for COVID-19 and 47 players in quarantine, the Australian Open is set for Feb. 8
The sport of tennis sees many massive contests per year that determine a player’s rankings, purses, and popularity. The highest of these tournaments are the Grand Slams, which are held in Australia, France, England, and the United States. 2021’s Australian Open has been a controversial topic this year, as COVID-19 surges have prevented many players from taking part in matches throughout 2020. This tournament is no different, and Team Canada already has some battles to fight.
Something that Canadian tennis supporters could look forward to was the sheer number of locals playing in Australia. Star Bianca Andreescu lifted up the sport in Canada, but reports that her coach had tested positive suggest that COVID-19 is going to dominate headlines surrounding the Australian tournament.
Currently, three positive COVID-19 cases have been reported stemming from players, coaches, and officials travelling to the Australian Open, and now 47 players are quarantining as a result of those tests. This comes at the same time as controversy over the sport’s number one ranked player and his refusal to adhere to COVID-19 protocols has been making headlines recently. Novak Djokovic, who has the most Australian Open titles in the sport’s history, stirred up turmoil when he held a number of private games that led to multiple positive COVID-19 cases in 2020. Since that tournament he’s had a number of high-profile victories, but he has not emerged victorious at a Grand Slam since the previous Australian Open.
2021 could be the year that Canadians see years of player development pay off, as rising stars continue to impress. Vancouver’s Rebecca Marino has qualified after a long journey back to the sport, fighting injury, and overcoming personal obstacles. The stage seems set for the team, as the tournament begins Feb. 8, and despite the harsh implications of COVID-19, Team Canada should be more than competitive with champions like Bianca Andreescu returning to action.
