Andy Murray has urged fellow players reluctant to get the coronavirus vaccination to get the jab for the health and well-being of the “wider public”.
His comments come ahead of the start of the US Open in New York, where organisers have said fans must show proof of vaccination to enter the grounds – although the athletes themselves are not required to be vaccinated.
“The reason why all of us are getting vaccinated is to look out for the wider public,” Murray said.
“We have a responsibility, as players who are traveling across the world, to look out for everyone else as well.
“I’m happy that I’m vaccinated. I’m hoping that more players choose to have it in the coming months.”
World number one Novak Djokovic this week reiterated his position that he hoped the vaccine would not become mandatory for players to compete and has declined to answer questions about his own vaccination status.
World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas, who will face the unseeded Murray in the first round on Monday, has said he is wary of getting vaccinated and will only do so if it becomes mandatory to compete on the ATP Tour.
