Topline
Officials in Australia warned that tennis players who have not had a Covid-19 vaccination will not be permitted to enter Melbourne next year in order to play in the 2022 Australian Open tournament. This could put at risk the title defense of Novak Djokovic, who has already indicated that he might not participate in the Grand Slam event if mandatory vaccines are required.
Novak Djokovic, Serbia, celebrates winning set point in his Men's Singles Semifinal match... [+] against Roger Federer from Switzerland on day 11 of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Getty Images
The Key Facts
Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, said Tuesday that he does not believe any tennis player without a vaccine will be granted a visa. He also stated that he was against any arrangements made for athletes. Andrews said that if a player is not vaccinated, they will be required to quarantine for two weeks. Other players won't need to. Andrews suggested that foreign athletes may be subject to the same rules as those competing in professional sports leagues in Victoria and Melbourne. No. Novak Djokovic, the world's No. 1 men's player, declined to disclose his vaccination status and said Monday that he was unsure whether he would participate in the Australian Open due to vaccine restrictions. Djokovic is one of the players who advocate that vaccinating should be a personal decision. However, Andy Murray, a British star, has called for mandates.
Important Quote
It doesn't matter what your ranking in tennis is or how many Grand Slams won. It doesn't matter what your tennis ranking is or how many Grand Slams you have won. Andrews stated that you need to get vaccinated in order to protect yourself and others.
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