BREAKING!: Unvaccinated players will be allowed to play in the 2022 Australian Open


BREAKING!: Unvaccinated players will be allowed to play in the 2022 Australian Open

Australian Open

After the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe, many sporting events were hit hard. Several top tournaments in tennis were also adversely affected. However, with vaccination coming into play, the condition has undoubtedly improved and we are steadily getting back on track.

However, many tennis stars are yet to get vaccinated which is creating a problem for tournaments organizers and governments. Recently, Novak Djokovic refused to talk about his vaccination status after which, the Australian Authorities made it clear that unvaccinated players might not get to feature in the Australian Open. However, an email from Tennis Australia to the WTA Players’ Council, obtained by tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg is telling a different story altogether.

Unvaccinated players allowed but will have to quarantine for 14 days to participate in the Australian Open

Australian Open
Australian Open

According to the email, unvaccinated players will be allowed to play in the Australian Open. However, they will be required to complete 14 days’ hard quarantine in a hotel. This comes as a surprise as not very long ago, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews had claimed that unvaccinated sports stars are unlikely to receive a visa which will automatically cancel their participation in the Australian Open.

FS Video

In addition to that, federal Immigration Minister Alex Hawke had also confirmed that travel rules being relaxed for incoming tennis players is highly unlikely. However, in the recent email from Tennis Australia to the WTA Players’ Council, it has been made clear that the players will not be forced to get vaccinated.

We feel the need to reach out to you all to clear up false and misleading information that has recently been spread by other parties about the conditions that players will be forced to endure at next year’s Australian Open,” the email starts.

We have been communicating regularly with Craig (Tiley) and the Tennis Australia team in recent months and they shared some good news with us on our Players’ Council call last Friday so that you know the facts and are not confused by rumors that have been circulating.”

Tennis Australia had asked us to wait a few days as they were still working with the government on the details. Because Victoria’s vaccination rate will hit 80% at the end of the week and 90% next month, it has been confirmed that conditions for the players at the Australian Open will improve significantly,” the email further read.

The mail adds that the vaccinated players can arrive after December 1st and will have complete freedom of movement. On the other hand, the unvaccinated players will have to abide by all Covid-19 protocols and will be tested regularly, but they won’t be forced to get vaccinated. The memo asked players to “keep this information confidential until the government makes an official announcement.”

YouTube video

Also read: ‘More trouble for Djokovic’: Unvaccinated players unlikely to get visas to feature in 2022 Australian Open, informs Official