Australian Open plans to use biosecure bubbles in lieu of hotel quarantine for 2022

The organizers of the Australian Open are planning on using biosecure bubbles in 2022 to house players and their teams, instead of the hotel quarantine policy that was employed earlier this year.

With Australia having some of the world's strictest coronavirus rules, there has been some criticism regarding the slow administration of the vaccine, which has led to some parts of the country being under lockdown. However, the Australian government plans to begin reopening the country when 70% of the public are fully vaccinated, as only a third of that has currently received the shot.

"There's a lot of time between now and when we get going, but at this point in time we're planning on having a two-week bubble, where the players will be able to move freely between the hotel and the courts," tournament boss Craig Tiley told the Nine Network.

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There was some controversy during this year's edition in Melbourne, as some players were forced into a 'hard quarantine' when they were identified as close contacts of positive cases. This led to outrage and complaints from several players, including World No.1 Novak Djokovic.

"They're protected, they're kept same among themselves and safe from the community as well," added Tiley. "And after those two weeks, they'll come out and be able to compete in the Australian Open in front of crowds.

"We're working with the government and health authorities now on the amount of crowds and what the Australian Open will specifically look like."