Tennis players who have refused a covid-19 jab will not be allowed enter the forthcoming Australian Open tournament. According to BBC Online this morning:
Unvaccinated players will not be allowed to compete at the 2022 Australian Open, says tournament director Craig Tiley.
There had been confusion over the issue in recent months with contradictory statements from leading Australian politicians.
Defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic has said he does not want to publicly reveal his vaccination status.
“Novak knows he will have to be vaccinated to play,” Tiley said.
“We would love to have him here.”
Tiley also confirmed that the tournament, which runs from 17-30 January in Melbourne, would be played in front of capacity crowds.
According to the ATP Tour, 80 of the top 100 men’s players have now been vaccinated against Covid-19. The WTA, which governs the women’s game, has yet to release the figures.
Every player, whether vaccinated or not, should now withdraw from the tournament to support their fellow competitors right to bodily autonomy, but also to stand up to tyranny. I won’t hold my breath though.
