Australian (Open) Tennis and COVID-19

[Pushka]

Sure and to assist with the compelling message every single restaurant in Melbourne booked out, per normal on Friday night should have also closed early on their own account / own choice to support the message as well. Indoors, no masks - much better message to send. Many more people impacted. BIG message!

They are reeling enough, tennis isn't and sure isn't shown on TV.

 

[jakeseven7]

They are reeling enough, tennis isn't and sure isn't shown on TV.

Everyone is reeling. A quick google will show you how precarious a position TA is in as well.

Sure, a few 100 thousand viewers in VIC watching the tennis v a few 100 thousand actual people with plans - all directly disrupted if the government pulled it all forward a few hours. I know what would impact me more... watching an empty seat on the tennis that they wouldn’t even show anyway, or having my own actual plans disrupted...

 

[RooFlyer]

I guess because it’s the law.

Alternatively we could allow commercial entities to interpret the law differently to suit our / their own purposes. Now that would be a wonderful democracy.

What law? The Australian Open organisers could have unilaterally barred the crowd from the evening's matches due to 'safety concerns'. It wouldn't have been the first time people with tickets for a sporting event were refused admittance due to COVID. I'm not suggesting that there would not have been some strife in doing that, but again, if the "your safety is our first priority" mantra is applicable, knowing that the Government had declared a lockdown with severe restrictions on movement and gatherings - you, know, to stop the spread - then to have a gathering immediately before the government deadline is pretty poor. Individuals can do what they please before a deadline, but I don't think organisations, operating in lockstep with a government have (or should have) the same licence.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

What law? The Australian Open organisers could have unilaterally barred the crowd from the evening's matches due to 'safety concerns'. It wouldn't have been the first time people with tickets for a sporting event were refused admittance due to COVID. I'm not suggesting that there would not have been some strife in doing that, but again, if the "your safety is our first priority" mantra is applicable, knowing that the Government had declared a lockdown with severe restrictions on movement and gatherings - you, know, to stop the spread - then to have a gathering immediately before the government deadline is pretty poor. Individuals can do what they please before a deadline, but I don't think organisations, operating in lockstep with a government have (or should have) the same licence.

Not sure lockstep is the right word. I’m not sure the tennis organizers even knew there would be a lockdown. Their answer to what they would do pre-curfew? ‘Good question’

My feeling is that they are just lobbying for their own self-interest, business as usual.

 

[jakeseven7]

My feeling is that they are just lobbying for their own self-interest, business as usual.

As is every business. Complying with the directive and law of the state. Unless we expect everyone to do the ‘right’ thing and shut X hours earlier than the health directive I guess.

 

[RooFlyer]

Not sure lockstep is the right word. I’m not sure the tennis organizers even knew there would be a lockdown.

Fair enough. "In cooperation with the government" would be more accurate ( ie lots of special exceptions etc given to the players and their support, state money etc).

The lockdown was widely tipped on the media( and on AFF ) before the press conference and was announced well before the evening session of tennis. Tennis Australia made the concious decision to let the crowd in when it could have acted more cautiously.

 

[Anna]

Meanwhile everyone's favourite player Tennys Sandgren and his team mate Koepfer are into the second round of the men's doubles today. Minimum pay $45,000 even if they lose. (Not sure if that is each or between them).

The Aus Open website is still showing a 'buy tickets' option even for today's matches

I feel a bit sorry for De Minaur who would normally have got a boost from the crowd support for his AO matches - in saying that I am not implying that there should be a crowd for tonight's match. Or even that the match should be going ahead, but seeing that it is, I'll probably watch.

Interesting that the overall AO prize money is more evenly spread in 2021 than in 2020. Finalists get about 20-30% less this year, whereas the earlier losers this year are getting more than last year. $80m prize money in total.

 

[jakeseven7]

Fair enough. "In cooperation with the government" would be more accurate ( ie lots of special exceptions etc given to the players and their support, state money etc).

The lockdown was widely tipped on the media( and on AFF ) before the press conference and was announced well before the evening session of tennis. Tennis Australia made the concious decision to let the crowd in when it could have acted more cautiously.

Sure as did thousands of businesses last night in Victoria. Don’t blame them, any of them for not. They all followed the health directive they were given.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Sure as did thousands of businesses last night in Victoria. Don’t blame them, any of them for not. They all followed the health directive they were given.

Friend of mine posted on Facebook. Local florist flagged down the public bus and gave everyone on board a dozen roses because they were otherwise going in the bin due to cancelled orders.

 

[tomlee1986]

Friend of mine posted on Facebook. Local florist flagged down the public bus and gave everyone on board a dozen roses because they were otherwise going in the bin due to cancelled orders.

Lucky them to receive flowers a day before Valentines day!

 

[Seat0B]

The matches could have gone ahead as they are deemed emergency workers (another issue) but no crowds. That night. Would have been a compelling message as to their thoughts of gravity

Does anyone else find it incongruous that the tennis players are essential workers??

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Does anyone else find it incongruous that the tennis players are essential workers??

Yes but I also lean towards the opinion that the State-wide lockdown is unnecessary. If the players (or their entourage with whom they have contact) had not been to any of the exposure sites, I feel there is practically no risk.

AO player are playing at least every 2nd day and usually practice on their off day/time.

The main problem is if tennis players think they are exempt even though they (or entourage) have been to an exposure site.

Maybe my non-local views are misplaced/misguided, but the list of Vic exposure sites so far doesn’t really ring to me as possible places an AO player (or entourage) would visit.

 

[jase05]

Greek player Michail Pervolarakis has revealed he’s tested positive for COVID-19 after travelling from Australia to South Africa.

 

[Pushka]

Greek player Michail Pervolarakis has revealed he’s tested positive for COVID-19 after travelling from Australia to South Africa.

From the ATP round? Millman? Any dates like when he left Australia? He olayed doubles with Tsitsipas.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Greek player Michail Pervolarakis has revealed he’s tested positive for COVID-19 after travelling from Australia to South Africa.

Oh dear - details when they emerge will be interesting/potentially illuminating

 

[Pushka]

Oh dear - details when they emerge will be interesting/potentially illuminating

Sounds like he was positive on arrival or close to it. We really don’t need this right now.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Apparently he left on Feb 9 so there is certainly time for him to have contracted it during travel. Presumably he flew via DXB or DOH

 

[Lynda2475]

Apparently he left on Feb 9

The day the infected worker was at the airport, maybe he stopped by Brunettis?

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

The day the infected worker was at the airport, maybe he stopped by Brunettis?

Isn’t T4 Melbourne only Jetstar (and Rex and previously Tiger perhaps)???

 

[jase05]

Apparently he left on Feb 9 so there is certainly time for him to have contracted it during travel. Presumably he flew via DXB or DOH

Yes, left on the 9th and reportedly tested negative beforehand. Went via DOH