Australian tennis player Nick Kyrios has called for the cancellation of the Australian Open rather than a “morally wrong” vaccination mandate for players to qualify for the first Grand Slam of 2022.
– I do not think that the Australian Open should continue, you should send a certain message. How long has Melbourne been isolated? 275 days or something?
Kyrie Irving, Novak Djokovic … These guys have given so much, donated so much. I just think it's morally wrong to force someone to get vaccinated. I'm vaccinated twice, but I just don't think it's right to get anyone to get vaccinated and say, “You can't come here and play here because you're not vaccinated,” Kyrios said on his No Borders podcast.
The Australian Open is due to start on January 17, but there is still uncertainty over whether players who have not been vaccinated or who will not disclose their vaccination status will be allowed to compete.