Azarenka urges fellow tennis players to remain calm during quarantine in Melbourne

Despite the numerous complaints from players who have been placed in quarantine following their arrival in Melbourne, former WTA World No.1 Victoria Azarenka has tried to remain the voice of reason.

The two-time Grand Slam champion penned an open letter on Tuesday, calling for all players and coaches to respect the health regulations put in place by Melbourne authorities ahead of next month's Australian Open.

There has been widespread criticism from several players including World No.1 Novak Djokovic, who have spoken against the need for an enforced 14-day hotel quarantine. This comes after more than 70 players and their entourages were placed in self-isolation after passengers on three charter flights to Australia tested positive for the coronavirus. In addition to complaints about the food and internet service, the quarantine also limits the players abilities to train for the first Grand Slam of the season.

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Nonetheless, Azarenka implored her fellow players to remain calm and follow the health protocols put in place by the government, citing state Premier Daniel Andrews claim that this was essential to stop the spread of the virus.

"To be in a 14-day quarantine is very tough to accept in terms of all the work that everyone has been putting in during their off-season - to be prepared for playing our first Grand Slam of the year,” the Belarusian said.

“I understand all the frustration and feeling of unfairness that has been coming and it is overwhelming.

“Sometimes things happen and we need to accept, adapt and keep moving!”

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley, who had a call with 500 players to address concerns, said on Tuesday the “vast majority” had been supportive of the country’s strict health protocols.

With Australia’s hard-line border controls keeping daily numbers of new coronavirus cases at zero or low single digits, Azarenka said the players must do everything to support the local community.

“I would like to ask all of us to respect people who work tirelessly to try and make our lives easier,” she added.

The Australian Open begins on February 8 and will have a limited number of fans in attendance.