By Scott Spits
Tennis fans from China, historically the biggest source of international visitors to the Australian Open, are not expected to return to pre-pandemic numbers for at least another year but tournament boss Craig Tiley says the impact of new COVID-19 testing requirements for Chinese travellers will be negligible.
China has traditionally been a crucial market for the Open, which became the grand slam of the Asia-Pacific in the mid-2000s.
World No.25 Shuai Zhang is already in Australia.Credit:AP
The Melbourne Park event starts on January 16. The Albanese government on Sunday announced a new screening regime for arrivals to Australia from China, which is due to begin on Thursday, but there is confusion about how it will be policed.
Many Chinese players, including world No.25 Shuai Zhang, have already arrived, and Tennis Australia is hoping for record crowds of about 900,000 across the tournament. Of those, about 10 per cent would be overseas visitors, although they currently make up about eight per cent of ticket sales.
“Historically, China has been our number one country for visitation prior to COVID,” Tiley said on Tuesday.
“It altered significantly during COVID. I’m pretty confident we’re going to get back to that point – not in 2023. I think we’re looking more to 2024 and ’25 and beyond.
“I think those people that travel from China will be well versed in what the conditions will be. We never expected a large group of visitors from China anyway,” he added.
“The fact that things have changed in China, that more travel is allowed, may even improve the situation.”
This month’s Open is the first in three years to be largely unaffected by the pandemic, with the 2021 event delayed and played in front of reduced crowds and TA footing a multi-million bill for hotel quarantine costs.
About 12,000 players and support staff are expected in Australia for this year’s event, as Novak Djokovic chases a record 10th Australian Open crown and as Poland’s world No.1 Iga Swiatek aims for her maiden title following the retirement of reigning women’s champion Ash Barty.
Tiley was speaking as preparations ramp up significantly at Melbourne Park ahead of the precinct welcoming the first players for practice sessions from Friday.
Preparations for the 2023 Australian Open are in full swing.Credit:Joe Armao
Australian Open qualifying takes place from next Wednesday. For the first time patrons will be charged to enter Melbourne Park during the qualifying week, but organisers say there will be a range of entertainment options available, as well as the chance to watch the practice sessions of top players.
Tiley said the moves to increase the offering to spectators next week were part of a push for the Australian Open to have a three-week footprint.
He reiterated organisers were focused on “not resting on our laurels”, even though the Australian Open is contracted to be held at Melbourne Park until 2046.
“We just [have to] ensure that we run a great three-week extravaganza of tennis that the rest of the world wants to be part of,” Tiley said.
“My job and our team’s job is to put in a great show for Melburnians, for Australians and for all of our guests from around the world.”
Craig Tiley.Credit:Joe Armao
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