The Australian Open will see no Covid-19 tests of players and they could also play even if they have the virus.
Craig Tiley, the tournament director, said, “We just wanted to follow what’s currently in the community. We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you’re ill.”
In 2022, there were strict rules regarding playing in the tournament like daily testing, isolation, and vaccination, whereas, in 2021 the tournament took place in a bio-secure bubble.
“We’ve made it clear to our players, as well as our staff if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home, our medical staff will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well,” Tiley added.
“It’s a normalized environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with Covid-19,” he further said.
Novak Djokovic, entitled with 21 grand slams, was sent back last January before the game as he was infected with COVID-19.
The Australian Open will be played from Monday, 16 January, and will be played until Sunday, 29 January.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios will play a practice match on Friday at Rod Laver Arena with paid spectators.
The match, which is a rematch of last year’s Wimbledon final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios, will raise money for charity.
Some notable names will be seen either playing with injuries or getting names pulled out of the tournament. World’s No 1 Carlos Alcaraz is the biggest name to pull his name from the Grand Slam.
Naomi Osaka, who has two Grand Slam titles but has a 46th world rank, has also taken her name back from the tournament.
Those who will play with injuries include, Rafael Nadal, and Nick Kyrgios, however, Emma Raducanu’s availability remains doubtful.
