No vax, no visa, no play, says Aussie premier

Unvaccinated players look increasingly unlikely to get a visa to play at the Australian Open in January, Victorian State Premier Daniel Andrews said today.

“I don’t think an unvaccinated tennis player is going to get a visa to come into this country and if they did get a visa, they’d probably have to quarantine for a couple of weeks,” Mr Andrews told media.

The comments came after world No.1 Novak Djokovic declined to reveal his vaccination status yesterday.

The State of Victoria has introduced a vaccine mandate for professional athletes, although authorities have yet to confirm what the exact requirement will be for those coming from abroad.

“Of course I want to go, Australia is my most successful Grand Slam tournament. I want to compete, I love this sport and I am still motivated,” Djokovic said.

“I am following the situation regarding the Australian Open and I understand the final decision (on Covid-related restrictions) will be made in two weeks.”