Unvaxxed players may still be allowed in Melbourne

Unvaccinated players may still be allowed to compete at the Australian Open after after a leaked report from Tennis Australia to the WTA Players’ Council revealed un-jabbed players must still face 14 days’ quarantine in a hotel.

The report asked players to “please keep the information confidential until the Government makes an official announcement”.

Officials last week insisted players needed to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to take part.

Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula stood Melbourne’s 3AW radio on Monday no decision had been made about unvaccinated players.

“We’re still talking to the Commonwealth about whether the rule for international unvaccinated arrivals is either 14 days quarantine or they’re not coming into the country at all,” Mr Pakula said.

“We don’t expect that to be settled for another couple of weeks.

The vax rate among players is rising pretty quickly now.

Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula

“The vax rate among the players is rising pretty quickly now. It’s near and up to 80 per cent.”

A WTA statement sent to players on the women’s tour, has also been leaked t the media.

“We feel the need to reach out to you all to clear up false and misleading information that has recently been spread by other parties about the conditions the players will be forced to endure at next year’s Australian Open,” the statement read.

“Because Victoria’s vaccination rate will hit 80 per cent at the end of the week and 90 per cent next month, it has been confirmed that conditions for players at the Australian Open will improve significantly.

“The conditions for fully vaccinated players are that they can arrive any time after December 1, must have a negative test within 72 hours of departure, [and] must test within 24 hours of arrival,” the statement said.

“[Players] are not required to quarantine or stay in a bubble, will have no ongoing restrictions imposed on them, [and] will have complete freedom of movement.”