Australian Open: Unvaccinated players can compete after quarantine — report
The e-mail, obtained by freelance tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, contradicts a press release made final week by Australia’s immigration minister that gamers would must be double vaccinated to get a visa to compete on the Grand Slam.
Within the e-mail, the WTA stated it wished to “clear up false and deceptive data” in regards to the situations gamers would face on the Australian Open.
The WTA stated the data got here from organizers Tennis Australia, who had requested gamers preserve it confidential for “a couple of days” as they had been nonetheless discussing the small print with the federal government.
Tennis Australia declined to touch upon preparations for unvaccinated gamers, together with quarantine.
“We’re optimistic that we will maintain the Australian Open as near pre-pandemic situations as doable,” the governing physique stated in a press release.
All gamers who arrived from abroad for the 2021 version of the Australian Open needed to bear two weeks of quarantine, though most had been allowed to depart their inns to observe.
Victoria state sports activities minister Martin Pakula stated authorities had been nonetheless deciding whether or not unvaccinated international gamers could be allowed into the nation.
He didn’t anticipate a choice for one more couple of weeks.
“It isn’t settled,” he advised radio station 3AW.
“We’re nonetheless resolving with Tennis Australia and the Commonwealth whether or not unvaccinated international nationals can be allowed into Australia in any respect and in that case, beneath what circumstances they are going to be allowed.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews stated final week there could be no particular offers for unvaccinated gamers to compete within the state, the place vaccination is obligatory for athletes, coaches and officers in skilled sport.
Pakula stated TA boss Craig Tiley had advised him the vaccination fee amongst tennis gamers was practically 80%.
He confirmed absolutely vaccinated gamers wouldn’t need to quarantine on arrival in Australia.
“The one factor that now we have assured all of them, is that the vaccinated gamers can be handled the identical means as some other vaccinated entrant to the nation,” he stated.
From Nov. 1, absolutely vaccinated residents and everlasting residents and their overseas-based relations who arrive in Sydney and Melbourne will not have to quarantine.
The WTA e-mail stated Australian Open qualifying, which was moved to the United Arab Emirates for the 2021 event, would happen at Melbourne Park as regular.
The WTA declined to remark.
The Australian Open is scheduled to begin on Jan. 17.