Tennis Australia has reiterated that players competing at next month’s Australian Open must meet strict health requirements, amid speculation Novak Djokovic will seek a medical exemption to compete at Melbourne Park.
The world No.1, who has repeatedly refused to disclose his vaccination status, was yesterday announced as a member of the Serbian team for the ATP Cup, which will be played in Sydney from January 1.
Djokovic has won the last three Australian Opens, and would be chasing a record 21st grand slam title if he competes in Melbourne.
LIVE UPDATES: The Ashes, Day 1 at the Gabba
READ MORE: Messi passes Pele in football’s amazing race
READ MORE: Mitchell Johnson blasts ‘absolute crap’ policing of on-field confrontation
“We can confirm that everyone entering Australia for the summer of tennis will need to meet the strict requirements set by health authorities across the country,” a TA spokesperson said.
“These include certified proof of vaccination, or a valid medical exemption approved by Australian medical officials.
“What has also been made clear by health officials is that international arrivals who don’t meet these requirements will need to quarantine for 14 days.”
Any medical exemption would need to be signed off by a panel of independent medical experts, while Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has previously said the state would not be applying for any exemption to allow unvaccinated players to enter the country without serving 14 days quarantine.
Speaking to Nine last month, TA boss Craig Tiley said the mandatory vaccination rule applied to all players.
“It’s been made very clear, when the Premier announced several weeks ago that in order to participate at the Australian Open, to come into Victoria, you’ll need to be fully vaccinated,” he said.
“Immediately we communicated that to the playing group, it is the one direction that you take that is going to ensure everyone’s safety.
“All the playing group understands it, our patrons will need to be vaccinated, all the staff working at the Australian Open will need to be vaccinated.
“But when we’re in a state where there’s more than 90 per cent of the population fully vaccinated, they’ve done a magnificent job with that, it’s the right thing to do.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!