Sydney. Oct 20 (BNA): Australian immigration minister on Wednesday ruled out vaccination exemptions for tennis players competing in the Australian Open, amid speculation over world number one Novak Djokovic’s vaccination status.
“Our health advice is that when we open the borders, everyone who comes to Australia will have to be vaccinated twice,” Alex Hawk told ABC Radio.
“I don’t have a message to Novak,” he added. “I have a message for everyone who wants to visit Australia, you should be vaccinated twice.
“This is a universal application, not just for tennis players.”
Hawk’s comments came after the nine-times champion, who declined to say whether he had been vaccinated, cast doubt on his participation in Melbourne, where Victoria said it would force the vaccination of professional athletes.
“As things are, I still don’t know if I will go to Melbourne,” Djokovic told Serbia Bleach. “I will not disclose my condition whether I received the vaccination or not, it is a private matter and an improper inquiry.”
Australia’s international borders have been closed to all but residents and citizens, with a few exceptions, since March 2020, according to the German news agency (dpa).
Last year, all players traveling to Australia to compete in the Melbourne tournament, which was postponed until February, had to undergo a two-week quarantine upon arrival in the country.
The 2022 edition of the four slams is scheduled to take place from January 17-30.