Victoria Azarenka of Belarus hopes to celebrate players talking about mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for players after US Open spectators were required to show proof of vaccination to be allowed into the event. AFP
Proof of Covid-19 vaccinations are mandatory for adult US Open spectators but not for players – and that’s something Victoria Azarenka finds “bizarre.”
Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open winner and three-time US Open runner-up from Belarus, told fans after her victory Wednesday she was glad they were all vaccinated for the deadly virus, a requirement mandated by New York City officials.
“I want to start this conversation between our players, because to me it’s a bit bizarre that fans have to be vaccinated and players are not,” Azarenka said.
“In my opinion, it’s inevitable that it will be mandated at some point. I don’t see the point of stalling it, because I think we all want to be safe, to continue doing our jobs and I know there is a lot of discussions about it.”
The WTA says nearly half its players are vaccinated while the ATP says just over half its players are vaccinated.
