Australian tennis stars welcome easing of quarantine restrictions

Following the surge in Covid-19 cases down under, several Australian tennis players were concerned that their preparations for the 2022 Australian Open would be compromised. However, with the news that fully vaccinated international travelers can enter the country without quarantining, there seems to be some relief for returning Aussie players.

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty cut her season short after the US Open, opting to skip the WTA Finals and return home in order to get adequate preparation for the Australian Open. Fellow Queenslander John Millman had been away from home since January 15, as returning would have forced him to spend two weeks in quarantine. However, the World No.69 is pleased by this new development, which allows him more time to train and spend with family.

"Until the NSW premier came out of the blue and opened up the country, it looked like I probably wasn't going to get home," he told AAP from Europe. But it looks like after Davis Cup I'll get a flight to NSW and spend 14 days there and then hopefully cross the border.

"At least it's not in hotel quarantine and I can train because that's a brutal experience and also not ideal doing your pre-season in a hotel room. Then I can cross the border a day or two before Christmas.

"I'm looking forward to seeing family, that's for sure. You start to appreciate things when they get taken away from you."

Sydney-born Alex De Minaur hopes to return home and enjoy some time with his family, before beginning his rigorous training for the Australian Open.

"It's been a pretty rough year for Australians on tour," de Minaur told AAP. "So to not have to quarantine is a bonus."