Tennis: Australian Open organizers confirm medical release process, Tennis News & Top Stories

MELBOURNE (REUTERS) – Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said players seeking medical relief to enter the Grand Slam without being vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus will have their case evaluated by an independent three-person panel.

Tennis Australia said the panel would be made up of doctors from immunology, infectious diseases and GPs and that the move had been agreed with the Victoria Ministry of Health.

Tiley had previously said all players must be vaccinated against Covid-19, and this move calls into question the involvement of defending champion Novak Djokovic, as the world’s number one has not yet revealed his vaccination status.

“We have worked closely with the Victorian government to establish fair and independent protocols for evaluating medical waiver applications to ensure that the Australian Open 2022 is safe and enjoyable for all,” Tiley said.

“Central to this process is that decisions are made by independent medical experts and each applicant receives due consideration.”

The Melbourne Park tournament, the first Grand Slam of the year, is scheduled to start on 17 January.

Applicants who pass the initial stage will be subject to a second examination by a panel of medical experts appointed by the Government before the application is submitted to the Australian Immunization Registry.

All broadcasts are confidential, Tennis Australia said.

Victorian Secretary of State for Sports Martin Pakula said the process could set a precedent for other major events.

“We are pleased that there is some discipline in the process, we believe it will lead to the best possible results,” he added.

“They want the safest event possible for players and fans. It requires the strictest medical release process.”