The ATP Tour has released an updated schedule for the first two months of 2021, with the Australian Open locked in to start on February 8, three weeks later than usual.
The ATP Tour, which runs men's professional tennis, also revealed a host of tournaments to be played in the lead-up to the Open.
The ATP Cup, which was played for the first time this year, is also on the calendar, although it will be reduced from 24 teams to 12 next year.
Qualifying for the Australian Open will take place in Doha from January 10-13.
There are no tournaments scheduled for the second half of January, with that period taken up by hotel quarantine when the players arrive in Melbourne.
Two tournaments will be played in Melbourne from January 31, with the ATP Cup to start on February 1, ensuring maximum playing opportunities ahead of the Australian Open.
A spokesperson for Nine, who will broadcast the summer of tennis, said confirmation of the calendar is great news.
"Nine welcomes the announcement today that the Australian Open will commence on February 8, together with several lead-in tournaments in the week prior, all to be played in Melbourne," the spokesperson said.
"We look forward to working with Tennis Australia to bring viewers a bumper schedule of tennis in the new year.
"We commend Tennis Australia, the Victorian Government, the ATP and the WTA in working together to be able to deliver the first Grand Slam of the year in a COVID-safe environment.
"Full broadcast details will be announced in the coming weeks."
ATP Chairman, Andrea Gaudenzi, said the revised calendar was the result of a lot of hard work.
"The reconfigured calendar for the start of the 2021 season represents a huge collaborative effort across tennis, under challenging circumstances," he said.
"Together with the support of our tournament and player members, partners, and Tennis Australia, we have been able to adapt and create an exciting start to the season.
"Health and safety will continue to be paramount as we navigate the challenges ahead, and I want to thank everyone involved for their commitment to finding solutions to launch our 2021 season."
According to documents sent to players, and published by L'Equipe, a total of 1000 players and entourage members will be allowed into the country.
Players in the singles draw, and those ranked in the top 10 in doubles, will be allowed to bring a maximum of two people with them, while the lower-ranked doubles players will only be allowed one extra person.
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