Australian official: unvaccinated tennis players will not be allowed to participate in the Australian Open

Despite the initial optimism, tennis players who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the Australian Open. The Governor of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, announced on Wednesday that his government will not apply for travel permits for unvaccinated players. Not long before, Prime Minister Scott Morrison recommended these permits as well as for every unvaccinated athlete. The two-week quarantine will allow them to participate in the competition.

Victoria will host the Australian Open in Melbourne in January.

Andrews said: “I do the right thing on behalf of all vaccinated Victorians. My government will not apply for an exemption for any unvaccinated player.” “If we don’t apply for an exemption, then there will be no exemption, then the whole problem. It’s basically solved.”

According to statistics, about 30% of the top 100 male and female tennis players are still not vaccinated. CNN, May reduce the Australian Open venue. The world’s number one Novak Djokovic (Novak Djokovic)-he refused to disclose his vaccination status- Said The “status quo” in Victoria last week may have forced him to skip the game. A victory at the Australian Open will enable Djokovic to record his 21st men’s Grand Slam singles title.

Andrews said that excluding unvaccinated players from the Australian Open will ensure that there will be no double standards. Professional athletes in Victoria and all coaches, officials, media, staff and fans must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Andrews said: “I don’t ask people sitting in the stands and people working at events to be vaccinated, but the players don’t.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Australia, especially Victoria, has been taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. In addition to the travel-exempt border, the Australian border has been closed for 18 months, and the state of Victoria has blocked the capital city Melbourne six times. Australians who have not been vaccinated are still barred from entering bars, restaurants, sporting events, etc.

The Australian Open is scheduled to start on January 18.