Australian officials: Unvaccinated tennis players will not be allowed in Australian Open [View all]

Tennis players who have yet to be vaccinated for COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the Australian Open despite some initial optimism. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews announced Wednesday his government will not apply for unvaccinated players' travel permits, shortly after Prime Minister Scott Morrison suggested those permits -- along with two-week quarantines for each unvaccinated athlete -- would allow them to compete.

Victoria is slated to host the Australian Open in Melbourne in January.

"On behalf of every vaccinated Victorian who has done the right thing, my government will not be applying for an exemption for any unvaccinated player," Andrews said. "If we don't apply for an exemption, then no exemption will be granted and then the whole issue is basically resolved."

Around 30% of the top-100 men's and women's tennis players remain unvaccinated, according to CNN, potentially lightening the Australian Open field. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic -- who's declined to share his vaccination status -- said last week "things being as they are" in Victoria may force him to skip the tournament. An Australian Open win would give Djokovic a record 21st men's grand slam singles title.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/tennis/australian-officials-unvaccinated-tennis-players-will-not-be-allowed-in-australian-open/ar-AAQ1JwR