Russian player Natalia Vikhlyantseva has confirmed she will not be at the Australian Open because her covid vaccination is not recognised by Australian health authorities.
The Russian Sputnik V vaccine is not one of a number of approved vaccines in Australia.
Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Janssen are all approved for use in Australia and Sinovac, AstraZeneca (Serum Institute of India), Sinopharm China and Bharat Biotech are approved for travel to Australia, but Sputnik V is not.
“Unfortunately, I will not participate in this year AO event,” Vikhlyantseva, 24, tweeted.
“I’m really happy with a level of tennis I showed on a last few events and I wish to play in but Sputnik is not verified yet. Good luck for all participants and AO team, who always made amazing events!”
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