Australian Open 2023: Players can play even if they test positive for Covid

One year after the expulsion of Novak Djokovic, the health protocol for the Australian Open 2023 has been greatly relaxed.

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Payal Debnath
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Australian Open 2023: Players can play even if they test positive for Covid | Sportz Point

One year after the expulsion of Novak Djokovic, not vaccinated against Covid-19, the health protocol for the Australian Open 2023 has been greatly relaxed. The Australian Grand Slam director Craig Tiley confirmed on Monday.

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Australian Open 2023: Players can play even if they test positive for Covid | Sportz Point

Australian Grand Slam director Craig Tiley. Image- Herald Sun

Craig said that participants will not be required to undergo tests for the virus. "We just wanted to follow what's currently in the community. Tiley told reporters at Melbourne Park. We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you're ill, and that our medical staff will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well."

Asked about the hypothesis of seeing players play a game being positive for Covid, the coach opened the door to this possibility. " As with cricket, there could be players playing with Covid ." Tiley acknowledged, taking a cue from Matt Renshaw.

Australian cricketer Matt Renshaw tested positive at the start of a five-day test match against South Africa last week. He continued to play even after he was in isolation and away from the locker room until he tested negative. 

"We've made it clear to our players, as well as our staff, if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home. It's a normalized environment for us and, not dissimilar to cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with COVID." Tiley added.

The Australian Open 2023 will start from January 16 to 29. Spain's Rafael Nadal is the current winner of the men's tournament. While Australia's Ashleigh Barty, who withdrew earlier, is the current winner of the women's tournament.

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The 21-time Grand Slam winner, the Serbian Novak Djokovic, could not appear at the previous Australian Open. Earlier vaccination regulations were strict for tennis players. Djokovic was not vaccinated against the coronavirus and was deported from the country.

Grand Slam Novak Djokovic Australian Open