Top ATP stars arrive in Melbourne for the 2021 Australian Open

Several of the world's top players have arrived in Australia, as they begin preparations for this year's unique Australian Open.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, players are required to arrive at least 14 days before the event in order to undergo quarantine at designated hotels. Following several negative COVID tests, they will then be allowed to compete at the first Grand Slam of the season.

To help facilitate the travel, Tennis Australian chartered 15 flights to bring players from various destinations, including the recently concluded Antalya and Delray Beach stops on the Tour. Furthermore, some players will also be arriving from Doha, where the Australian Open qualifying event took place.

World No.1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic was one of the first to arrive, sporting his ATP Cup jacket. The ATP Cup, along with two new ATP 250 tournaments in Melbourne, will be held prior to the start of the Australian Open. Djokovic will be looking to not only win a record eighth Australian Open title, but also represent Team Serbia, who are the reigning ATP Cup champions.

World No.2 Rafael Nadal and No.3 Dominic Thiem have also landed in Melbourne, as each man will be representing his country at the second edition of the ATP Cup.

Fans will be allowed to attend the Australian Open, in a limited capacity. The event kicks off on February 8, which is a few weeks later than its traditional mid-January start.