Tiley confirms AO on track for January

Australian Open chief Craig They has said the event is on track to start as normal in January and will include a full schedule of events.

“In terms of our plans for the Australian Open, as we’ve been saying for the past few weeks, we’re optimistic about having an AO in January with all the events and all the players,” Tiley said.

Tiley sighed into the row over the axing of the wheelchair event in New York in August, praising both Dylan Alcott, the Aussie world No. 12 and being sympathetic to the problems being experienced by USTA officials.

“Dylan Alcott is a tremendous ambassador for tennis and has done a huge amount for our sport both here and around the world,” Tiley said.

“We understand how disappointed he is at not being able to compete at the US Open this year and we look forward to seeing him back on the court soon.”

Due to restrictions, the US Open also will not include qualifying, junior and mixed doubles events when it takes place in New York.

“We empathise with our US Open counterparts who have put an enormous amount of work into staging their event during such difficult circumstances and in these unprecedented times,” Tiley added.