The
Australian Open will mandate vaccines for any foreign-born player entering Australia and that might prove troublesome for many tennis players who have been reluctant to take the vaccine.
Many players have expressed doubts over vaccination not wanting to take something that they deem was not necessary. Several players that have expressed reluctance about the vaccine include
Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas although Tsitsipas confirmed he will get vaccinated by the end of the year.
There is a high chance all might get vaccinated because the Australian Open won't allow players to compete at the event if they don't get vaccinated. It's a huge blow for many players especially Djokovic who is dreaming of a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title in Australia where he is the most successfull player of all time.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that with an interesting statement:
“[Grand slam] titles won’t protect you. The only title that will protect you is you being able to have had your first dose and second dose.
It's a clear message to Djokovic who was been vocal about not wanting to get a vaccine but as things stand he will need to if he hopes to play at the Australian Open. It will be interesting to see whether Djokovic complies or holds his ground.