Australian Open Set For February Start As Atp Announces 2021 Calendar

Uncertainty has surrounded next year’s Australian Open due to the coronavirus pandemic – the grand slam typically starts on Jan. 18 in Melbourne.

The Australian Open will now go ahead from Feb. 8-21, three weeks later than usual, following the ATP Tour’s announcement for men’s tennis on Wednesday.

There will be three ATP warm-up events in Melbourne, including the ATP Cup from Feb. 1-5.

The Adelaide International has been relocated to Melbourne and will run alongside an additional ATP 250 tournament in the city from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6.

Qualifying for the Australian Open will also be held outside of the country, with Doha, Qatar playing host from Jan. 10-13.

Novak Djokovic is the reigning men’s Australian Open champion, while Sofia Kenin claimed the 2020 women’s crown at Melbourne Park.