The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has offered to host the 2021 edition of the Australian Open alongwith other sporting events that are usually held in neighbouring Victoria.
The Australian Open is first of the four Grand Slams during the season and usually starts in late January. Victoria’s capital Melbourne has been the host venue since 1972. However, the state is currently under a second lockdown and has nearly 8,000 active Covid-19 cases, while NSW has about 800.
“Some of these events down in Victoria are national events hosted in Victoria,” NSW deputy premier John Barilaro told 2GB radio. “It’s important for the economy, important for the Australian psyche when it comes to sport.
“Absolutely we should be able to work with Victorians to find ways to make sure these all happen, these events are far too important in this crisis to not have.”