Sydney: The Australian Open,first grand slam of 2021, will be held from February 8 to 21, three weeks later than scheduled,the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has confirmed as it released an update of its calendar for 2021 revising the first seven weeks of the season. The event organisers are confident they will see a full slate of the world's top players, including six-times champion Roger Federer.

Tournament director Craig Tiley said,"We have a commitment from every player in the world to be in Australia.Obviously it being the start of the season anything can happen with that entry list, but the commitment is there. Every player, including Roger, have committed."

Federer had cast some doubt as to whether he would be fit enough for the tournament after he had two surgeries on a knee injury last year and missed virtually the entire playing season. He told local media this month that his recovery was behind schedule, but Tiley said he had been in touch with the 20-times Grand Slam champion who had begun his usual pre-season training block in Dubai.  Titley further said, "He said to us that Feb. 8 was a more suitable date for him in terms of preparing for the Australian Open.But a lot will depend on how he responds to his surgery in the next two to three weeks."

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