Confirmed: Oz Open to start on February 8

The Australian Open will go ahead from February 8-21 – three weeks later than normal – the ATP has confirmed.

The confirmation comes after weeks of speculation about the future of the 2021 event.

Although there is yet to be an official statement from the WTA, the women’s game governing body, it is believed both organisations have reached agreement with Tennis Australia over dates.

A 12-team ATP Cup, the relocated Adelaide International and an additional men’s tournament will be held in Melbourne to give players a chance to prepare for the Open.

Qualifying for the Australian Open will be held outside the country for the first time, with Doha, Qatar playing host from January 10-13.

That will give qualifiers time to travel to Australia and complete two weeks of quarantine before the warm-up events start on January 31.

“The reconfigured calendar for the start of the 2021 season represents a huge collaborative effort across tennis, under challenging circumstances,” ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said.

“Together with the support of our tournament and player members, partners, and Tennis Australia, we have been able to adapt and create an exciting start to the season.

“Health and safety will continue to be paramount as we navigate the challenges ahead, and I want to thank everyone involved for their commitment to finding solutions to launch our 2021 season.”

The ATP is looking for new dates for the Rio Open, which was supposed to begin on February 17.