Muhammed Enes Calli
12 January 2022•Update: 12 January 2022
ANKARA
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) showed its support for Czech player Renata Voracova who was deported from Australia after her visa was cancelled.
Voracova had been granted a medical exemption from having a coronavirus vaccination as she was allowed into the country for a week and even competed in a warm-up tournament.
The 38-year-old player was forced to leave country ahead of the 2022 Australian Open after her visa was canceled by Australia for failing to meet vaccination requirements.
"That being said, the complications experienced over the past few days where athletes have followed the approved and authorized process of receiving a medical exemption for entry into the country are unfortunate," the WTA said in a statement.
According to the WTA, Voracova "followed the rules" when she arrived Australia and "had done nothing wrong."
"We will continue to work with all authorities on addressing this unfortunate situation in an appropriate manner."
World No.1 player Novak Djokovic's visa had been cancelled before the beginning of 2022 Australian Open but he won a court battle against the Australian government and now remains to stay in Melbourne.
Australia mandates all players to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to compete in this year's first major tennis tournament.
