So who WILL be playing at the Australian Open? How Dan Andrews' rule banning unvaccinated players from competing could be a devastating blow for the tournament
- Number of leading men's tennis players could miss Australian Open in January
- They include world number one Novak Djokovic and Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas
- Follows Dan Andrews stating Victoria won't take exemptions for unvaxxed stars
- Earlier, PM Scott Morrison said unvaccinated players could apply for exemptions
The likes of defending champion Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev and 'Greek god' Stefanos Tsitsipas could all skip the Australian Open if they refuse to reveal their vaccination status.
It would be a devastating blow for tournament officials ahead of the grand slam in Melbourne come January 17, with a number of global tennis players notoriously not pro-active when it comes to confirming whether they are double jabbed.
Earlier on Tuesday, Victorian premier Dan Andrews confirmed his state would 'not be applying for any exemptions for unvaccinated players'.
The announcement contradicted a message from Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who declared players who have not been jabbed would be allowed into the country - provided they apply for a skilled worker travel exemption and also undergo 14-day quarantine.
If the Victorian premier stands by his words, superstars Djokovic, Medvedev and Tsitispas may all stay in Europe as the trio have not revealed their vaccination status, citing medical privacy.
The likes of defending champion Novak Djokovic (pictured) Daniil Medvedev and 'Greek god' Stefanos Tsitsipas could all skip the Australian Open if they refuse to reveal their vaccination status
Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas stated earlier this year he was hesitant to get vaccinated - especially with it not a mandatory requirement for professional players
Leading women's players, notably world number two Aryna Sabalenka, may also give the tournament a miss.
Vaccine shots are encouraged, but are not mandatory for professional stars on the elite circuit.
The bombshell development from Mr Andrews follows a recent report by The Association of Tennis Professionals, which revealed just 35 per cent of men's players and 40 per cent of female players on tour are currently double-jabbed.
Speaking last week to Serbian newspaper Blic, Djokovic gave away nothing and said he wasn't certain he would even make the trip to Melbourne in early 2022.
'I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or not, it is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry,' Djokovic said.
'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.
Share this article
'I am following the situation regarding the Australian Open … I believe there will be a lot of restrictions just like this year, but I doubt there will be too many changes.'
Medvedev was equally coy, insisting medical records of players should remain a private matter.
'I liked what Novak said about this,' he told Eurosport.
'He (Djokovic) said the vaccination was a personal matter and he would not be making it public, and I also decided not to disclose medical things.
'Of course, the players can say that they are injured, but this will be a play on words. I will not say whether I am vaccinated or not. But I want to play in Australia.'
The chance to create tennis history may alter Djokovic's stubborn mindset.
He currently sits tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20 career grand slams, and if he snared a 10th title at Melbourne Park he will officially be the greatest player in the history of the sport when it comes to majors won.
Russian star Daniil Medvedev believes medical records should remain a private matter
Aussie tennis star Ash Barty respects the decision of fellow tennis professionals to not broadcast their vaccination status - but says rules must be followed for the Australian Open
Most watched News videos
- Shocking moment woman is abducted by man in Oregon
- Shocking moment passenger curses at Mayor Eric Adams on Delta flight
- Moment escaped Household Cavalry horses rampage through London
- New AI-based Putin biopic shows the president soiling his nappy
- Vacay gone astray! Shocking moment cruise ship crashes into port
- Prison Break fail! Moment prisoners escape prison and are arrested
- Rayner says to 'stop obsessing over my house' during PMQs
- Columbia protester calls Jewish donor 'a f***ing Nazi'
- Shocking moment pandas attack zookeeper in front of onlookers
- MMA fighter catches gator on Florida street with his bare hands
- Helicopters collide in Malaysia in shocking scenes killing ten
- Ammanford school 'stabbing': Police and ambulance on scene
