The Medical Exemptions Which Allows Unvaccinated Players To Play At The Australian Open - UBITENNIS

The Medical Exemptions Which Allows Unvaccinated Players To Play At The Australian Open

These are the conditions players have to meet if they want to be play at the Melbourne major without being doubled-jabbed.

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read
Photo by atpworldtour.com

The 2022 Australian Open has made headlines around the world due to their tough requirements regarding being eligible to play in the Grand Slam.

In November Tennis Australia confirmed that all players will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to play at their premier event. Their decision is in line with a health mandate implemented in Victoria requiring all essential workers to be vaccinated. Under the mandate, professional athletes are classed as essential workers. The ruling has triggered speculation as to who may not be able to play in the event due to not being fully jabbed with the most talked about name being nine-time champion Novak Djokovic.

However, it is still possible for some players to take part in the Melbourne major without being double vaccinated providing they meet the criteria to apply for a medical exemption. In documentation issued by Tennis Australia, officials have outlined the following four grounds in which players will be granted an exception:-

  • If a player has a history of anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) to all approved COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • If a player had experienced a ‘serious adverse event’ linked to the first dose of an approved vaccine which has resulted in hospitalization or some significant disability/incapacity.
  • They are currently suffering from an acute medical condition
  • Within the past six months they have suffered from an inflammatory cardiac illness.

Officials have also confirmed that players who are pregnant, suffering from a chronic underlying medical condition or have a family history of ‘adverse events’ will not be allowed a medical exemption. The same will apply to those who claim preference to another type of vaccine or suffered ‘expected side effects’ from their previous vaccine.

A week ago Australian Open director Craig Tiley told reporters that he expects up to 95% of professional players will be vaccinated against COVID-19 in time for the tournament starting. The ATP or WTA don’t officially publish figures on vaccinated players.

“Today more than 85 per cent are (vaccinated),” Tiley told radio station SEN on November 25th.
“And we take a lot of credit for that because we put a vaccination requirement on it.
“We think by the time we get to January it will be between 90-95 percent vaccinated because if you’re not, you cannot play.”

Players travelling to Australia will have to take a COVID-19 test both before flying and again upon arrival. According to Marca newspaper, a total of six airports will be used for charter flights for players. They are located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, Santiago, Tokyo and Singapore. Tennis Australia has urged players to use one of their flights as it helps minimise the risk of possible COVID-19 infections. The prices of those flights are reported between AUS$1,300 AND AUS$6,000.

The Australian Open will begin on January 17th.

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