Australian Open in crisis as hotel that was to quarantine players before the tournament PULLS OUT after residents threaten to sue over Covid fears
The Australian Open is in limbo after a hotel that was meant to quarantine hotel that was meant to international players before the tournament pulled out.
A contract with The Westin Melbourne was suddenly cancelled, as Tennis Australia and the Victorian Government work to find a back-up hotel.
Players are set to touch down in Australia on January 15, and are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.
It’s believed the government may have to fork out a hefty multi-million dollar compensation to the owners of The Westin over the cancellation, The Age reports.
The owners of 36 of the hotel’s private penthouses are now threatening a Supreme Court injunction.
The hotel’s management underwent crisis talks with some of the penthouse owners on Monday to try and mitigate the situation and avoid legal proceedings.
It’s understood the Park Hyatt in Melbourne has undergone a deep clean in preparation for officials and entourages to stay there before the first round begins on February 8, after being pushed back from January.
More to come.