The email, obtained by freelance tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, contradicts a statement made last week by Australia’s immigration minister that players would need to be double vaccinated to obtain visas to compete in Grand Slams.
In the email, the WTA said it wanted to “clear up false and misleading information” about the situations players are facing at the Australian Open.
The WTA said the information came from organizers Tennis Australia, who requested players to keep it confidential for “a few days” as they are still discussing details with the government.
Tennis Australia declined to comment on the arrangements for non-vaccinated players, including those in quarantine.
“We are optimistic that we can hold the Australian Open closer to conditions than before the pandemic,” the governing body said in a statement.
All players arriving from overseas for the 2021 edition of the Australian Open had to undergo a two-week quarantine, although most were allowed to leave their hotels to practice.
Victoria State Sports Minister Martin Pakula said officials were still deciding whether foreign players without vaccinations would be allowed into the country.
He did not expect a decision for a few more weeks.
“It hasn’t been decided,” he told radio station 3AW.
“We are still resolving with Tennis Australia and the Commonwealth whether unvaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed into Australia and if so, under what circumstances they will be allowed.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said last week that there would be no special deals for unvaccinated players to compete in the state, where vaccinations are mandatory for athletes, coaches and officials in professional sport.
Pakula said TA boss Craig Tilly had told him the vaccination rate among tennis players was around 80%.
He confirmed that fully vaccinated players will not have to be quarantined upon arrival in Australia.
“One thing we have assured them all is that the vaccinated players will be treated the same way as any other vaccination in the country,” he said.
From 1 November, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents and their foreign-based family members who come to Sydney and Melbourne will no longer be required to quarantine.
Australian Open qualifying, which was moved to the United Arab Emirates for the 2021 tournament, will take place at Melbourne Park as usual, the WTA email said.
The WTA declined to comment.
The Australian Open is scheduled to begin on January 17.
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