Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open winner and three-time US Open runner-up from Belarus, told fans after her win on Wednesday that she was glad they were all vaccinated against the deadly virus, a request made by New York officials was prescribed.
Victoria Azarenka celebrates her victory over Jasmine Paolini in the second round of the US Open. AP photo
New York: Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations is mandatory for adult US Open spectators, but not for players – and Victoria Azarenka finds that « bizarre ».
Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open Winner and three-time US Open runner-up from Belarus, told fans after her victory on Wednesday that she was glad they were all vaccinated against the deadly virus, a requirement mandated by New York officials.
» I want to start this conversation between our players because for me it’s a bit bizarre that fans need to be vaccinated and players don’t, « said Azarenka.
» In my opinion, it is inevitable that it will be mandatory at some point don’t see any point in stopping it because I think we all want to be safe, keep doing our work and I know there is a lot. » Discussions about it. «
The WTA says nearly half of their players are vaccinated while the ATP says a little more than half of their players are vaccinated.
Greek third-placed Stefanos Tsitsipas said controversially last month , he would only get vaccinated if it were compulsory.
« At some point I have to, I’m pretty sure, but so far it has not been compulsory to compete so I haven’t, » he said.
Just over half of Americans have been vaccinated, reflecting divisions similar to those among elite players.
« I respect everyone’s opinion as long as it’s not a conspiracy theory, when you actually have adequate knowledge have done the research and have your facts and stats and research, « said Azarenka.
» That part of the conversation, that you really need to know what to say, is missing for a lot of players. «
The Russian second placed Daniil Medvedev, runner-up at the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open, is not intended for players who talk about the merits of mandatory vaccinations and leave the decision to the ATP and WTA officials.
« I understand why they did it to the fans. So far it hasn’t been applied to the players, « said Medvedev. » As players, we can just follow the guidelines and rules. That’s all we can do.
« It’s not up to the players to decide , because that’s why we have umbrella organizations in tennis. Sometimes we may not be happy with them. Sometimes we may be happy. But it’s still you who make the decisions. It’s definitely not the players. «
» We have a strict protocol. Testing is a key component in reducing the risk to everyone’s health and safety, « she said.
» If an athlete tests positive That athlete will be removed from the competition. «
Senior golfer Jon Rahm from Spain led a PGA six-shot event in June after three rounds, but had to retire after a positive test. He also missed that Olympic Games after a positive COVID-19 test in July.
One could only imagine the uproar if front runner Novak Djokovic were forced to retire with a positive COVID-19 test and his calendar year Grand Slam Offer to doom.
« I hope that we as an association make the best decision for our business, for our health, for the tournaments, for the public, » said Azarenka. « We have to start this conversation because it just u navoidable. «
» Players who have been vaccinated will have very different conditions than players who are not. This is going to be a problem in the coming months, « said Murray.
» There will be a lot of pretty long, tough conversations with the Tour and all of the players involved to try and resolve it. «
« I enjoy a pretty normal life while it is different for the players who have not been vaccinated. I’m sure they’ll get frustrated, « said Murray.» Ultimately, I think the reason we all get vaccinated is to pay attention to the general public. As players who travel the world, we have a responsibility to look after everyone else.
« I’m glad I have been vaccinated. I hope that more players will choose it in the coming months. »
New date:
September 02, 2021 7:32:27 PM IST
KEYWORDS:
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