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Melbourne explains its testing protocol after Zverev’s criticism

COVID-19 safety protocols have been a sore spot at the Australian Open, particularly after nine-time champion Novak Djokovic was banned for failing to meet the country’s strict vaccination requirements. This is why Olympic champion Alexander Zverev attracted attention after his second-round match when he said that “we are not getting tested” and therefore there are more cases of COVID-19 than in the more closed environment last year. .

The criticism came after 29th-seeded Frenchman Ugo Humbert tested positive for Covid-19 following his loss to Richard Gasquet at the Australian Open on Tuesday, and “may not be the only player to test positive.” said the German Alexander Zverev.

Australian Open organizers clarified the process on the fourth day of the tournament, saying that rapid antigen tests were taking place daily, that there were open testing clinics at both Melbourne Park and the players’ hotel, and that there were tests mandatory symptoms.

It is also mandatory to wear masks at all times in Melbourne Park, except when playing, exercising or eating and drinking.

Tournament organizers said everyone traveling to Australia for the first Grand Slam of the year had to undergo a mandatory PCR test on arrival and another between 5 and 7.

Due to the rise of the omicron variant and increased pressure on the public health system, PCR tests have become more difficult to access in Melbourne and rapid antigen tests have also been in short supply. Except at the Australian Open. Players, their entourages, officials and the media are required to show regular negative tests to gain access to Melbourne Park.

“They are very strict,” said fourth-placed Stefanos Tsitsipas. “Well, it is the responsibility of each and every athlete to get tested regularly to see if they are positive or not, as has been the case for me. I have been trying to do some antigen tests and rapid tests to see if I am positive or not, which It is a responsibility that I have, it is something that I have to do to see if I am 100%”.

Garbiñe Muguruza and Andy Murray are among those who said they were tested regularly, treating it as an honesty system. Australian player Maddison Inglis said she was getting tested as a precaution because “I want to keep myself and my team safe and everyone around me.”

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