Tennis Australia changes stance on COVID-19 positive players, allows players to take part despite diagnosis
In a major announcement by Tennis Australia, all players contesting this year’s Australian Open will no longer need to report positive COVID-19 results and will be allowed to continue playing in the tournament despite a diagnosis.
Speaking on Monday, chief executive Craig Tiley confirmed the AO would not impose any COVID-19 testing requirements on players, but recommended that those who feel unwell keep away from the event.
“We’ve made it clear to our players, as well as our over 12,000 staff. We ask … if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home,” he said.
LIVE TENNIS UPDATES: ‘Frenemies’ locked in for exhibition match
READ MORE: ‘Angry’ Djokovic kicks out brother, wins title
READ MORE: Tennis rocked by fake vaccination allegation
“It’s a normalised environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with COVID.”
Wanting the event to reflect the current COVID-19 guidelines across the nation, Tiley said it would be the responsibility of the players to disclose a positive result to tournament organisers.
“We just wanted to follow what’s currently in the community,” he said.
“We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you’re ill, and that our medical staff – Dr Karen Holzer is the best in the business – she will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well.”
Australian player Alex de Minaur voiced his support of the decision, saying he was thrilled to contest the tournament under the revised conditions.
“I think we, as players and as human beings, we’ve kind of gone through a very tough situation throughout a couple years,” he said.
“I think we’re all excited to be back competing, moving around freely, enjoying life as it used to be. We’re just happy to be back where it was pre-COVID.”
At last year’s tournament there was a vaccine mandate imposed and strict testing requirements and compulsory isolation periods were enforced.
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!
Tennis world No.1s: Here is every man to hold top spot since computer rankings were introduced
