‘They should be vaccinated’ – Premier firm as Australian Open plans loom

The Australian Open is set to outline plans for the 2022 event next week, with the Victorian Premier resolute in his position on vaccination.

Daniel Andrews has reiterated his stance that he will not make exception for tennis players to compete in Melbourne while unvaccinated.

All essential workers in the Australian province, including professional athletes, must get be fully vaccinated.

“I’m not going to have people sitting in the grandstands having done the right thing,” Andrews began.

“Only to have millionaire players that ought be vaccinated running around the place being essentially at such higher risk of spreading this – getting it and giving it.”

The Australian Open will run from 17-30th January next year, leaving a little over two months until the tournament kicks off.

World number one and number two Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev have not publicly disclosed their vaccination status. The two men contested the last Australian Open final.

Doubles stars Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut have spoken about their status.

“It’s a bit complex, because personally I’m not vaccinated,” Herbert revealed at the Paris Masters. “I don’t know if I will have time to do the two jabs and be vaccinated.”

Mahut expressed that he has received one vaccination, but not a second dose. Figures provided by both the ATP and WTA tour suggest that more than 50% of players are fully vaccinated.

Players and fans alike will wait on announcements from the Australian Open at the ‘official launch’ in the next week or so.