The head of the Australian Open has shrugged off concerns that players could potentially be participating with COVID-19 on the same day Garbine Muguruza said testing at the event was optional.
Craig Tiley has insisted that his tournament’s process is stricter than what players face during their ‘week in week out travels.’ Under regulations, players travelling to Australia must take a test before departure and upon arrival. They then have further tests on day five and day seven.
“We are working closely with the men’s and the women’s tour’s and came up with a set of protocols that are more rigorous than their week in week out travels,” Tiley told Channel Nine.
“There is also mandatory symptomatic testing and every player is provided each day with a rapid antigen kick they can pick up either at the hotel or here onsite (at the Australian Open). That is really the program we have had going. So far it has worked well and been successful.” He added.
Concerns over the system started last week during the qualifying tournament when Bernard Tomic said he believed he had the virus during his match and lamented the testing protocols. He tested positive shortly after. Then on Wednesday Ugo Humbert tested positive for the virus following his first round match. The Frenchman only discovered his result as part of the standard protocols those wishing to leave Australia have to follow.
After his second round win over John Millman, Alexander Zverev told reporters that he believes the number of positive cases at the event is higher than what figures show due to a lack in testing. He said he has entered into a ‘personal bubble’ to avoid potentially being infected as he seeks his first Grand Slam title.
“I did not know that he (Humbert) had Covid,” said Zverev. ”This year in Australia there’s a lot more cases than last year.
“We are allowed to go outside to eat, we are allowed to do what we want, so it is natural that more people get Covid.
“My brother when he arrived had Covid, he was in quarantine in Sydney. He does not have it any more.
“I think a few players have it now. We are not getting tested. If we were getting tested I think there would be more positives than there are now.”
Garbine Muguruza, who lost in the second round on Thursday, said she tests herself twice a day but is under no obligation to do so. The two-time Grand Slam champion also confirmed that she doesn’t have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival at Melbourne Park.
On the other hand, Stefanos Tsitsipas has defended the testing procedures in Melbourne and said the responsibility lies with the players, not the tournament.
“It’s the responsibility of each and every athlete to test themselves regularly to see whether or not they are positive, which has been the case for me,” he said.
“I have been trying to get a few antigen tests and rapid tests to see whether or not I’m positive, which is a responsibility that I have, it’s something that I have to do in order to see if I’m 100%.”
Tiley’s defence of the programme comes amid growing scrutiny over his handling of the tournament following the controversy surrounding Novak Djokovic. The world No.1 claims he was told by Tennis Australia that he could enter the country unvaccinated as he recently caught the virus before officials said that wasn’t a valid reason. It has since been claimed that the governing body was funding Djokovic’s travel and legal expenses but that has been denied. Meanwhile, Tiley has stated that he will not be stepping down from his current position.
“I am very focused today on delivering a great event. I am proud of being able to stand up here and you can see what is behind us. I am proud of what the team has done and what we have delivered so far.” He stated.
This year’s Australian Open requires all players and those working at the tournament to be fully vaccinated unless they are medically exempt.
