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Tennis is the most beautiful sport in the world. We are lucky to have a Grand Slam in our city. Independent of your views on whether the @AustralianOpen should go ahead or not - let us get a few things straight.
1. Quarantine of tennis players is entirely separate of repatriation of citizens. It is organised and funded by @TennisAustralia. Tennis Aus cannot repatriate citizens - direct your anger at @ScottMorrisonMP and stop abusing the athletes!
2. It is expensive to be a pro tennis player, especially when a global pandemic stops you from playing matches. There is no job keeper. But there are bills - coach, physio, trainer, nutrition, gym etc. Some have no choice but to be here. Be respectful.
3. The two-tier quarantine system is fundamentally unfair. You don’t get match fit sitting on your ass for 14 days. Lack of match fitness predisposes to injuries which has ramifications on rest of the season. The middle ground is not an exercise bike in your room.
4. The way this quarantine plays out sets an important precedent for other international events in our city - it must be top notch. Meanwhile, one of the players tweeted a video of a RODENT in her room. https://twitter.com/putintsevayulia/status/1350424781594587142
5. Players have voiced that the rules changed ‘overnight’. It is embarrassing that @TennisAustralia and @VicGovDHHS had not recognised that on a plane of people travelling from countries with uncontrolled Covid, that someone would test positive.
6. It is fair for Victorians to question if this risk to our community is justified. This is a major sporting event, and that is the ultimate responsibility of @MartinPakulaMP. This is where your thoughts should be directed, again - not the players.
Overall, we Victorians should do we do best - hold the government and governing bodies to account, while at the same time showing the utmost respect and extending the finest hospitality to these world class athletes.
