Australia not going to grant special favours to Murray
MELBOURNE: Health chiefs vowed yesterday there will be no preferential treatment for five-time finalist Andy Murray, saying he must return a negative Covid-19 test if he wants to play the Australian Open.
The former world No.1 was due to travel to Melbourne on one of a series of charter flights laid on by tournament organisers, but revealed on Thursday he had tested positive for the virus.
He is isolating at home in London, casting major doubt over whether he will be able to play the opening Grand Slam of the year.
Britain’s Press Association news agency said the three-time major winner, apparently in good health, was hoping to arrive in Australia at a later date.
But Victorian state health minister Martin Foley said the Scotsman won’t be getting any special favours.
“In regards to Mr Murray, we’ve been clear from the start that anyone who tests positive is not able to be part of the programme coming into Melbourne and Australia,” he told reporters.
“Mr Murray, and the other 1,240 people as part of the programme, need to demonstrate that if they’re coming to Melbourne, they have returned a negative test.
“Should he test positive prior to his attempts to come to Australia, he will be refused.”
Murray was handed a wildcard to the Open, hoping to make his first appearance in Melbourne since 2019, when he revealed the extent of a right hip problem and raised the possibility of imminent retirement.
The tournament has already lost some key players, with Roger Federer out injured and world No.25 John Isner opting not to travel due to the coronavirus restrictions.
In another blow, American world No.16 Madison Keys said she too had tested positive and would not play.