Australian Open: deported women’s player Renata Voracova threatens legal action, as WTA says she ‘did nothing wrong’
- Czech player was removed from country despite initially being granted entry
- Voracova, who even played in a warm-up game ahead of first grand slam, is demanding compensation from governing body
The Women’s Tennis Association has said Renata Voracova did nothing wrong after the Czech player was detained on the same “unfortunate” grounds as Novak Djokovic and deported from Australia.
Voracova and men’s world number one Djokovic had their visas cancelled after presenting Covid-19 vaccination exemptions ahead of the Australian Open.
While the 38-year-old was initially granted entry and even managed a doubles match at a Melbourne tournament in the run-up to the opening grand slam of the year, she was deported while Djokovic won a court battle to remain.
Voracova has threatened to take Tennis Australia to court if they do not compensate her for the expenses she incurred getting there, and for potential lost earnings from the tournament, which starts on Monday.
On Wednesday, the WTA said it believed all players should be vaccinated and backed Australia’s immigration policies, but bemoaned the “unfortunate” way some had been treated.
“Renata Voracova followed these rules and procedures, was cleared for entry upon her arrival, competed in an event and then suddenly had her visa cancelled when she had done nothing wrong,” the WTA said in a statement.
“We will continue to work with all authorities on addressing this unfortunate situation in an appropriate manner.”