The Premier of the State of Victoria, Dan Andrews, said he does not provide for exemptions from the rules for vaccination against Covid-19 for players who will participate in the Australian Open in January. The participation of reigning champion Novak Djokovic is thus questioned, who has publicly expressed opposition to vaccines and refused to say whether or not he is vaccinated against the coronavirus. "I don't think an unvaccinated tennis player will get a visa to enter this country," Andrews said. "The virus doesn't care what your tennis ranking is or how many Grand Slams you have won," he added. "And if they get a visa, they probably should be quarantined for a couple of weeks, when no other players should."Andrews also said that anyone who wants to participate in the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will need to be vaccinated. "The Grand Prix is in April, I don't think there will be crowds of people who haven't been given a double dose yet," Andrews said. Djokovic has won three consecutive Australian Opens and would like to clinch his record 21st Grand Slam in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, after losing the US Open final last September.after losing the US Open final last September.after losing the US Open final last September.
Novak Djokovic is ready to return to the field, but not in Melbourne for the Australian Open at the beginning of 2023
where there is an obligation to vaccinate. "I still don't know if I will play in Melbourne," the tennis player told the Serbian media in the past months explicitly no vax. "The media speculate and this bothered me a lot - Djokovic's words - I do not participate in the war, not only in sports, to distinguish between vaccinated and unvaccinated. And I'm not going to say if I am or not. discriminate against people if they decide independently one way or the other ". Djokovic, returned to training after a long period of hiatus following the final lost at the US Open, took stock of the upcoming commitments: "For now, I intend to play in Paris for the ATP1000, the Turin Masters and the Davis Cup. . This is my schedule until the end of the season. " But the real unknown is Melbourne,where, like last year, the Australian authorities intend to establish strict anti-Covid quarantine rules, reinforced for the edition scheduled for next January 17 by the obligation of vaccination. "I don't know if I will go - Djokovic told Blic - Of course I want to go, Australia is my most successful Grand Slam" But on vaccines I take the position I take and I have always thought the same thing. I will not reveal mine. state, if I have been vaccinated or not. It is a private matter and according to our law if someone asks you you can even report it. Too many people today allow themselves the freedom to ask for things and condemn a person. " Djokovic accused the media of "spreading fear and panic among people, and I don't want to participate in that war"