Sam Stosur backs Covid-19 mandate for 2022 Australian Open

Australian tennis player Samantha Stosur is in support of the health mandates issued by the Victoria government, which states that all tennis players must be vaccinated against Covid-19 to compete at the Australian Open in January.

The 2011 US Open champion, who will be competing in her 20th Australian Open, believes this is the only way that society can move forward.

“I can absolutely see where other people are coming from, but if we want to get on with it and have (any sort of normal life), unfortunately, it’s just the position we’re in,” Stosur told News Corp. “If the mandate’s coming in around the country, why should a sporting event be any different?

“We’ve got to do what we’ve got to do to try and move on from this, and if we can do it well and in a safe way to still be able to enjoy the social aspects of sporting events (it is worth it).”

The reigning US Open doubles champion stated that tennis players would need to get vaccinated eventually to compete in events, considering the amount of travel they have to undertake.

“I don’t think it’s going to be the case only in Australia for tennis players," added Stosur. "It’s already hard to get into the United States and I couldn’t imagine Europe’s going to be like, ‘Yeah, do whatever you want’.

“This is a hot topic because we’re the first grand slam and we’re the first tournaments of the new year, so it’s all about Australia putting in these restrictions and mandates.

“But I think it’s going to be hard if you’re not (vaccinated) to continue being a tennis player. I’d rather be vaccinated with the travel we’re doing. That’s my choice and my opinion but it’s hard to see any real other way to be able to do things.”