Tennis Australia denies using loopholes to allow unvaccinated players to compete at Australian Open

It has been reported that Tennis Australia is seeking loopholes to allow unvaccinated players to play at the Australian Open, but the governing body has shot back, claiming these allegations are "simply untrue."

Last month, the state of Victoria announced a health mandate that stated all players must be vaccinated in order to compete at Melbourne Park. However, there are a few exemptions which allow players who are not double jabbed to participate as long as they meet the criteria. Examples include players who are suffering from an acute medical condition or have suffered from inflammatory cardiac illness over the past six months.

Some news outlets have quoted unnamed sources suggesting that world No.1 Novak Djokovic could try to apply for an exemption on medical grounds and has received the support of Tennis Australia. Hence, if the 20-time Grand Slam champion applies for an exception he could avoid two weeks of quarantine upon arrival in Australia assuming he has not been vaccinated. The Serbian has refused to publicly speak out about his status but is on the entry list for both the ATP Cup and Australian Open.

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However, Tennis Australia has denied using loopholes in order for players to participate in their tournaments without making any reference to Djokovic.

"All players, participants and staff at the Australian Open have to be vaccinated. Any suggestion that Tennis Australia is seeking ‘loopholes’ within this process is simply untrue," Tennis Australia announced in a statement. "Adjudicating on medical exemptions is the domain of independent medical experts. We are not in a position to influence this process and nor would we.”

“Any application for a medical exemption must follow strict government guidelines based on Atagi (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization) clinical advice. This is the same process that applies to any person wanting to enter Australia.”

The Australian Open will begin on January 17th, 2022.