Australian Open faces criticisms after 4 more players infected

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

With the current COVID-19 spike in Australia, will the officials of the 2021 Australian Open tennis tournament still push through?

More players were infected as another four identified tennis players who are also participants in the grand event were forced to quarantine.

“All 4 are associated and they’re all tucked away safely in hotel quarantine,” Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews confirmed.

Health authorities in Victoria also added that more players might have positive results because testing is still ongoing while others are still yet to arrive at the venue.

The sudden increase in the COVID-19 positive patients alarmed the people nearby and are urging Australian Open officials to cancel the event for the safety of everyone.

“It’s time to be selfish, time for Victoria to put ourselves first. Call off the Australian Open. It’s not worth the risk,” 3AW radio broadcaster Neil Mitchell said.

However, Craig Tiley, Australia’s tennis head honchos, said that the 2021 Australian Open will go as scheduled and will still be staged.