Statement – Darren Sturgess, Hobart International Tournament Director, 16 November 2020
To our valued fans,
As you are all too aware, 2020 has been a year of challenges and tough decisions.
Unfortunately due to the many logistical challenges created by the pandemic, it has been decided that the Australian Summer of Tennis will be played in Victoria in 2021.
This means the Hobart International will not go ahead this summer. Whilst this decision is not what we wanted, the restrictions in every state and territory make it impossible for players to prepare properly and for us to run our normal summer program in Tasmania.
We understand this is disappointing news, particularly for our dedicated fans, the Hobart International family.
We hope however, like us, you are energised by the fact the Australian Open will go ahead as planned and the world’s best players will start 2021 in Australia.
We will continue to update you on how you can enjoy the summer of tennis here in Tasmania.
And we look forward to our events making a much-anticipated return for the 2022 summer.
Media release – Jane Howlett, Minister for Sport and Recreation, 16 November 2020
Hobart International 2021
I understand that the decision by Tennis Australia to host all lead-up tournaments to the Australian Open in Victoria, meaning the Hobart International will not go ahead in 2021, is disappointing for Tasmanian tennis fans.
The Tasmanian Government has liaised closely with Tennis Australia and Tennis Tasmania to try and ensure that the much loved Hobart International tournament could proceed, but due to the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic, this was ultimately not possible.
I am advised that the decision by Tennis Australia to shift all pre Australian Open tournaments to Victoria reflects the Board’s uncertainty about movement of players, including international players across states and territories.
While this decision is disappointing, this decision is in no way reflective of our State’s preparedness to host the event or cooperation with Tennis Australia.
To support the return of events in Tasmania, the Government recently developed the COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities Framework to support the arts, events, sport and tourism sectors in the planning and holding of events from 1 December 2020.
Tasmanians have played a crucial role in reducing the risk of COVID-19 pandemic, and this Framework provides a welcome roadmap towards the return of events in Tasmania.
I look forward to the Hobart International returning bigger than ever in 2022.
