Australian Open organisers deny lacklustre COVID testing

Alexander Zverev surprised many by admitting that players are not being tested regularly at the Australian Open which prompted a response from the organizers.

After COVID-19 safety protocols had been called into question, Australian Open organizers clarified the process on Day 4 of the tournament. Tournament officials on Thursday said daily rapid antigen tests were being provided, testing clinics were open both onsite and at the player hotel, and there was mandatory symptomatic testing.

Masks also must be worn at all times at Melbourne Park except when playing, exercising or eating and drinking. Tournament organizers said everyone who travelled into Australia for the year's first major had to undergo a mandatory PCR test on arrival and another between Days 5 and 7. Players, their entourages, officials and media are required to show evidence of regular negative tests to access Melbourne Park.

Fourth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas had a different opinion on the matter than Zverev as the Greek explained:

"They are very strict. ``Well, it's the responsibility of each and every athlete to test themselves regularly to see whether or not they are positive, which has been the case for me. I have been trying to get a few antigen tests and rapid tests to see whether or not I'm positive, which is a responsibility that I have, it's something that I have to do in order to see if I'm 100%.''