‘A shame’ if no Novak for Melbourne: Tourism chief

Tourism Minister Dan Tehan has told Australian TV it would be a shame if world No.1 Novak Djokovic (and others) could not play the Australian Open in January due to covid restrictions.

Mr Tehan is still hopeful a resolution can be found as the Federal Government goes head to head with the Victorian State legislature over vaccination procedures.

“We have to use common sense. If we manage to bring in the tennis players, especially the best in the world, I think the right proposal is to have 14 days of isolation, rather than not allow them to play,” he told the Sunrise program.

Djokovic and possibly Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev could be barred from entering Australia, and playing in the the first Open of 2022, if they do not disclose their vaccination status.

“Nole was an absolute supporter of the Australian Open and one of the greatest who has ever played at the event. It would be a shame if a way is not found, so that he can come and defend it,” Mr Tehan added.

Peter Rowe

Recent Posts

Underdogs GB pull off BJK win over Australia

Team GB pulled off  a 3–1 victory over Australia in the Billie Jean King Cup…

5 days ago

Superb Sinner drops Alcaraz to return to ATP No. 1

Jannik Sinner will take back the No. 1 ranking on Monday after winning his fourth…

6 days ago

Djoko dropping hints that career has short shelf life

Novak Djokovic has been making it plain that the end of his career is approaching,…

6 days ago

Sinner, Alcaraz set title clash on Monte Carlo clay

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz fulfilled expectations on Saturday as the top pair in the…

7 days ago

Sinner can do no wrong against Zverev

Jannik Sinner put pure power on display Saturday as the Italian reached his first Monte Carlo…

1 week ago

300th win sends Alcaraz into Monte Carlo final four

Carlos Alcaraz earned the 300th win of his ATP career as the Spaniard rolled 6-3,…

1 week ago