Andy Murray Says COVID-19 Vaccine Should Be Compulsory For Tennis Players

Sports fans from around the globe are still itching to see their favourite athletes back in action.

And with talks that a COVID-19 vaccine could be available as early as next year, that dream may soon become a reality.

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While some sports have implemented the 'bubble' system first used by the NBA, others have simply barred supporters from attending live events.

Either way, it seems athlete health and safety has been at the forefront of thinking for sporting governing bodies when planning for the future - and rightly so.

And with that in mind, former two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has called for the COVID-19 vaccine to be compulsory for tennis players if they want to compete at the highest level.

When asked if tennis' elite should be vaccinated before competing, the Brit said: "I think probably that should be the case. I would hope that all the players would be willing to do that for the good of the sport - providing everything has proved to be safe, clinical trials and everything have been done and there are not any significant side effects.

"With Novak Djokovic (who has openly said he is an anti-vaxxer), I guess it would be difficult. So I guess we'll have to wait and see what the ATP and the ITF decide what their position is going to be on that. But I'm confident that players would be into it if it meant the Tour going back to normality."

Despite retiring last year, the former world No. 1 made his return to the court in 2020.

And while most of his second coming was hampered by the coronavirus pandemic, Murray has his sights set on some big targets for 2021 and beyond.

"I would love to compete in the Olympics again," the 33-year-old said.

"To get another opportunity to do that would be huge for me. It would be in the top few priorities for the year. Obviously I'd love to get the opportunity to play at Wimbledon again, same with the Aussie Open, and then, if I'm fit and well, I'd be pumped to go and try and win another medal in Tokyo."

Topics: Tennis, Wimbledon, Australian Open, Andy Murray, Coronavirus, Novak Djokovic, Australia, vaccination, Covid-19

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry