February 1 likely start date for Australian Open

February 1 is looming as the start date for the 2021 Australian Open, with a decision due in days.

With Victorian State government officials refusing to bend on any quarantine restrictions, the new date would allow players to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and gain match fitness before the tournament begins.

Players would likely travel to Australia the first week of January, giving time for the 14-day strict quarantine before qualifiers and lead-up tournaments in the week starting January 25.

The delayed start means there will be no ATP Cup in 2021.

Tennis Australia is hoping to hold a pre-tournament event, but venues have yet to be confirmed.

One know sticking point between Tennis Australia and the Victorian government is how quarantine will work.

Players want to train during in the quarantine period, rather than being locked in their hotel rooms.

The delay would force the Rotterdam Open, scheduled for February 8, to be postponed and the Rio Open in Brazil, scheduled for February 15, could also be affected.