Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka backs COVID-19 vaccine mandate in tennis

Victoria Azarenka says she would support the WTA Tour if it was to introduce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The issue of player vaccination remains firmly in the spotlight after Novak Djokovic's deportation from Australia.

So far, vaccine mandates have not yet been issued by the WTA and ATP Tours, and the International Tennis Federation, but Azarenka said she believed it was an important step to take.

«From my standpoint, it's been very clear. I believe in science. I believe in getting vaccinated. That's what I did for myself,» said Azarenka, who is a member of the WTA players' council.

«I don't want to push my beliefs on everybody else, however, we are playing a global sport, travelling around the world.

While Scott Morrison did not provide any assurances, he noted there was a possibility the tennis star could return sooner „under the right circumstances“.

»As an entity, as an association of WTA that is travelling globally, we still have to respect countries, different countries, different mandates, different legalities of the country.

«Some countries will not allow mandates. I think to impose something legally on the WTA Tour can be a challenge. I think that's something that we are facing.»

Azarenka said it had been «very clear» the WTA Tour had supported and recommended COVID-19 vaccines.

The two-time Australian Open champion — who tested positive for COVID-19 last year — said her decision to get vaccinated was based more on protecting others.

«Personally, for me, it's not necessarily maybe about myself, it's about other people,» she said.

«Like my parents, for example, are at high risk for COVID. I had COVID in November. Unfortunately, my parents also got [COVID-19].

»It was tough for my dad. Thankfully, he was vaccinated, because