Andy Murray’s chances of playing in the Australian Open are virtually zero after Victorian health minister Martin Foley said the Scotsman would not receive any special favours.
“In regards to Mr Murray, we’ve been clear from the start that anyone who tests positive is not able to be part of the program coming into Melbourne and Australia,” Mr Foley said on Friday.
“Mr Murray, and the other 1240 people as part of the program, need to demonstrate that if they’re coming to Melbourne they have returned a negative test.
“So should Mr Murray arrive, and I have no indication that he will, he will be subject to those same rigorous arrangements as everyone else.
“Should he test positive prior to his attempts to come to Australia, he will be refused.”
The former world No.1 is reportedly still working with Australian Open boss Craig Tiley to find a way to play.
The State’s opposition leader Michael O’Brien has accused the government of treating foreign tennis players better than stranded Victorians.
“For Daniel Andrews to prioritise bringing tennis players from Covid hotspot countries to Australia, rather than bringing home Victorians who are stuck interstate – it’s worse than a double fault, it’s a double standard,” he said.
