Novak Djokovic sent alarming Covid warning beyond Australian Open by ATP Tour

The ATP has warned tennis stars, including Novak Djokovic, that they face tough restrictions next season if they are not fully vaccinated against Covid.

It was revealed this week that Djokovic – who has repeatedly refused to reveal whether or not he has had the jab – might be able to defend his Australian Open title in January after a leaked email from the WTA suggested unvaccinated players will be allowed to enter the country and compete.

However they will, according to the leaked email, have to jump through extra hoops such as a mandatory quarantine that their vaccinated counterparts will be able to avoid.

Despite that good news for those who have not had the jab, the ATP has been quick to warn players that the 2022 season will be fraught with uncertainty for unvaccinated players.

The governing body has said it will not be making vaccination a mandatory requirement for players, but in an email to stars and coaches – seen by Tennis Majors – it is stated that it continues to "strongly recommend" they get the jab "based on scientific evidence".

Furthermore, the ATP said it will support the decision of local health authorities or governments who decide not to allow players to enter unless they have had the jab.

Players and coaches are also warned to expect some countries and airlines to bring in rules around mandatory vaccination in the future.

According to the body, around two-thirds of male professionals are fully vaccinated – with many more set to follow suit in the coming weeks to make sure they can take part in the first Grand Slam of 2022.

But Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas – the current top three ranked players in the world – have all refused to disclose whether or not they have been jabbed.

The latter has, in recent months, incurred the wrath of the Greek government after suggesting younger and fitter people do not need to be vaccinated, although he did later say he was planning to take the vaccine before the end of the year.

But the world's top trio face a tough 2022 unless their circumstances change surrounding their Covid stance.

According to Tennis Majors, the ATP's email said:

• Unvaccinated players will be subject to more testing than their vaccinated counterparts.
• Unvaccinated players may have to contribute to the cost of the additional testing.
• Vaccinated players will continue to be exempt from being called a close contact when someone close to them tests positive.
• Unvaccinated players who test positive for Covid-19 before an event, or who are deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive – and have to withdraw – will not receive “prize money compensation”.
• The cost for isolation after a positive Covid-19 test will not be paid by the ATP.
• Transport for unvaccinated players may be increasingly restricted.

Meanwhile, the WTA's leaked email earlier this week suggested unvaccinated players will have to complete a two-week quarantine, but will not be allowed to arrive before December 1.

They will also have to undergo regular testing while they are in the country.

The relaxation of entry requirements is, according to the WTA email, "because Victoria's vaccination rate will hit 80 per cent at the end of the week and 90 per cent next month".

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