Australian Open 2021 made more headlines because of Novak Djokovic rather than the tournament itself. Controversy followed as the star Serbian tennis player arrived in Australia. However, the government didn’t allow him to feature in the tournament because of his unvaccinated covid-19 status.

Later, the Serb returned home without featuring in the tournament. However, the tables have turned this year. Not only Djokovic will play in the tournament this year, but the covid-19 testing will also be on a voluntary basis.

Covid-19 testing is not compulsory at the Australian Open 2023

Unlike last year, the covid-19 restrictions are very less in the Australian Open. While the previous year caused a huge controversy because of the same, this year, covid guidelines are based only on voluntary testing. The players no longer need vaccination for participating in the tournament. They don’t need to go through the tests as well.

As per the reports from Express.co.uk, Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said, “It’s a normalized environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with Covid.”

He further added, “It is entirely up to them if they tell us they’re positive or not. We’re encouraging players as well as encouraging staff that if you’re feeling unwell, stay at home.”

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After missing out last year, Novak Djokovic is all set to feature in his favorite Grand Slam. Italian tennis star, Camila Giorgi, who is under investigation for forging a fake vaccination certificate is already in Australia. She lost her qualifier match at the Australian Open.

Bad news for Novak Djokovic as US extends covid-19 restrictions

While things are back to normal in Australia, the US government has extended the restrictions. This means that the visitors need to be fully vaccinated for entering the US. The current guidelines will be effective till the 10th of April. This means that the Serbian star Novak Djokovic will not be able to participate in the Indian Wells as well as Miami Open.

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It will be interesting to see what the next guideline would be. If the restrictions remain intact for longer, Djokovic might also miss out on the US Open again. For now, the focus is completely on the Australian Open and Djokovic has announced himself as a title contender after winning the Adelaide International.