The world is hoping for the corona vaccines and world tennis is hoping too. Stars from different countries travel around the globe in tennis week after week. The challenges with entry requirements and quarantine measures are immense.
A glance at Australia alone shows this: the ATP Cup planned for the beginning of 2021 has already been canceled. At the Australian Open, which should start on January 18th, it is completely open when they can take place. Later in January or even in April?
A vaccine could ease the situation for the rest of the tennis calendar in 2021. Andy Murray (33) expressed his wish in the “Times” that everyone would understand. “I hope that the players are ready to be vaccinated for the benefit of the sport,” says the Briton. Always on the condition that everything is tested and safe and without significant side effects.
Murray goes even further, he would not rely on voluntarism, but rather sees a compulsory program for the participants in the tournaments. “Maybe it needs that.”
Djokovic is a big opponent of vaccinations
These thoughts do not fit everyone on the tour. Novak Djokovic in particular showed himself to be a major opponent of vaccinations early on in the corona crisis. Above all, if you were forced to do so, the world number 1 would open up properly. “Personally, I am against vaccinations,” said the Serb. “I don’t want someone forcing me to take a vaccine in order to travel.”
Murray is also aware that it will be a big challenge to force the players to be vaccinated. But it may be the only way. “It will be difficult. I have also read that he (Djokovic) is not keen on getting vaccinated, ”said the three-time Grand Slam winner. “But if he had to to be able to practice the sport he loves, he would.”
There is now nothing left but to wait and see what the ATP and the world association ITF think about it. “But I’m confident that the players will be interested when something returns to normal.”
