Australian Open players will not need to take Covid-19 tests and will be able to play if they have the virus.
“We just wanted to follow what’s going on in the community right now,” said tournament director Craig Tiley.
“We took it a step further by making a recommendation about staying away when you’re sick.”
Last year players had to test themselves daily and self-isolate if they tested positive and also had to be vaccinated, while in 2021 the event took place in a biosecure bubble.
The nine-time champion Novak Djokovic, who is not vaccinated, was expelled last January just before the tournament because of his Covid-19 status.
“We have made it clear to our players, as well as our staff, that if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home, our medical staff will continue to monitor this, with the players also individually.” Tiley added.
“It’s a normalized environment for us and, not dissimilar to cricket, there will potentially be players who compete with Covid-19.”
Last week, cricketer Matt Renshaw went on to play for Australia in a five-day test match against South Africa in Sydney after testing positive for Covid-19.
The Australian Open begins on Monday January 16 and ends on Sunday January 29.
