Daniil Medvedev not surprised that unvaccinated players would be banned from 2022 Australian Open

After the organizers of the Australian Open announced unvaccinated players would not be allowed to compete at the event, World No.2 Daniil Medvedev stated he was not surprised by the decision but wondered why they took so long to make it official.

On Saturday, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed that those who want to play at the first Grand Slam of the season in January will have to show their proof of being fully vaccinated. This has come following weeks of doubt and speculation regarding whether unvaccinated players will be allowed to compete in Melbourne.

"I actually am a little bit surprised that they confirmed it so late,” said Medvedev. “It’s been months. At least I knew that’s probably the case. Prime minister or the governor of the state of Melbourne, I don’t know, I don’t remember exactly who said it, but it was kind of an official.

"I was surprised to see this news because I was like, Yeah, what’s new?"

Although the Russian has not made his vaccination status public, he did send out a tweet implying he would be present at Melbourne Park next year. The Australian Open runs from January 17-30, 2022.