Posted by Renata Voracova, a doubles player who was deported from Australia after her visa was revoked, did “nothing illegal,” according to the Women’s Tennis Association.
After providing a Covid vaccine exemption, the 38-year-old Czech was allowed to enter the country and compete in a competition in Melbourne. She was detained, though, and flew out of Australia on Saturday.
“The complications experienced over the past few days… are unfortunate,” said the WTA.
“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.
She added that she had intended to be vaccinated against Covid but suffered medical complications after contracting the virus that prevented her getting the jab.
The WTA said, despite its concerns over Voracova’s case, it believed “all players should be vaccinated” and it was “in full support of the immigration policies that have been put in place” in Australia for the early part of the 2022 season.