Players who test positive for COVID-19 will not be required to pull out of the Australian Open under the guidelines set out for this year’s Grand Slam.
Tournament director Craig Tiley says Tennis Australia’s policy on the virus is in line with the rules set out in the region in what is a stark contrast to that of 12 months ago. The relaxation means that players travelling to Australia this year are not required to show proof of being vaccinated and do not have to undergo any mandatory testing. Furthermore, those who are unwell or are suspected to have COVID-19 are advised to take certain measures but they are not mandatory.
In 2022 players were kept in a ‘bio-secure bubble’ at the Australian Open. Upon arrival into the country they had to be tested and then moved to quarantine until they returned a negative result. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic was deported from the country due to not being vaccinated after losing a legal battle in which he claimed he was told by Tennis Australia he would be allowed entry into the country via a medical exemption.
“We just wanted to follow what’s currently in the community,” Reuters news agency quoted Tiley as saying on Monday.
“We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you’re ill, and that our medical staff will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well.”
The more relaxed approach taken by the Australian Open is something which also occurred at both the French Open and Wimbledon last year. At both of those tournaments, there was no rule in place stating that players who have COVID-19 must withdraw.
“We’ve made it clear to our players, as well as our staff, if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home,” Tiley states.
“It’s a normalised environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with COVID.”
Tennis Australia has also said that spectators should continue to follow guidelines set out by the regional government. The public is advised to test themselves if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and isolate for at least five days if they produce a positive result.
As for the players themselves, most are looking forward to playing at Melbourne Park in more normal circumstances compared to the past two years.
“I think we, as players and as human beings, we’ve kind of gone through a very tough situation throughout a couple of years,” Australian No.1 Alex de Minaur told The Age newspaper. “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.”
The Australian Open will get underway next Monday.
