Andy Murray in support of stricter restrictions for unvaccinated players at the Australian Open

Former World No.1 Andy Murray has stated he would welcome stricter restrictions on players who have not been vaccinated in time for next year's Australian Open.

The organizers of the first Grand Slam of the season are considering implementing COVID-19 mandate for the event, although Tennis Australia has refused to reveal any plans regarding unvaccinated players. However, there has been speculation that those who have received the shot would be given more freedom to move around Melbourne.

Victoria Sports Minister Martin Pakula said earlier this week those looking to compete at the Australian Open should get inoculated to increase their chances of playing in Melbourne.

Murray, who is a five-time Australian Open runner-up, is in approval of the proposed plan and urged all players to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

"My understanding is if you're unvaccinated you're still allowed to play, it's just the rules are going to be different," said the three-time Grand Slam champion. "You might just have to leave for Australia a few weeks earlier than everyone else. That's the player's choice. It would be great if more players got vaccinated.

"If the local Government puts that in place then I would support that."

Furthermore, the 34-year old sympathized with the conditions in Australia, stating that the citizens have had to deal with several lockdowns due to the pandemic.

"Australia, in particular, has been very, very strict over there," added Murray. "The public there have had to endure a painful 18 months or whatever. If people are going to come into the country and potentially risk an outbreak in their community, yeah, that's understandable."