Australian Open Allows Russian-Belary Participants To Take Part, But As Netral State Participants

JAKARTA - The Australian Open organizing committee allows tennis players from Russia and Belarus to compete in the Grand Slam tournament early next year. However, on the condition that it is present as a participant in a neutral country.

Previously, tennis authorities banned players from the two countries from competing as international teams in connection with the Russia-Ukraine conflict that broke out earlier this year.

"At this point Russian and Belarusian players can qualify to play at the Australian Open. The only difference from last year's event is that they cannot represent Russia and cannot be represented by the flag of their country," said Australian Tournament Director Craig Tiley., quoted by Reuters on Wednesday.

Although they cannot enliven the international team, Russian and Belarusian players are still allowed to compete on the agenda of regular tournaments. Grand Slam Roland Garros and the US Open still allow participants from both countries to become neutral participants.

The new hard ban was imposed on Russia and Belarus at the Wimbledon lawn Grand Slam event, which did not allow them to play.

"They cannot participate in any activities such as the Russian national anthem and they must play as independent players with neutral names. But they will be welcomed at the Australian Open in January," Tiley explained.

The committee also paid attention to Novak Djokovic who had problems with COVID vaccination. In the upcoming Australian Open edition, Tiley invited Djokovic to attend as long as he could get a visa.

Previously, the owner of the 21 Grand Slam titles was expelled from Australia for not being vaccinated and barred from re-entering until 2025, although the Australian government could waive the ban on special policies.

Tiley said his side had no contact with the government about Djokovic, and that Australian Open organizers could not lobby on behalf of the Serbian tennis player.

"This is not a problem that we can lobby. This is a problem that must be between the two of them and then depending on the results, we will welcome them to the Australian Open," he said.