Russian tennis players are permitted to compete at the first grand slam of the year as neutral athletes. Tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed this news recently by stating the following:
“At this point, Russian and Belarusian players will be eligible to play in the Australian Open, and they, like every other player, will have to go through the (entry) process. The only difference will be that they cannot represent Russia – they cannot represent the flag of Russia.
“They cannot participate in any activity such as the anthem of Russia, and they have to play as independent players under a neutral name. But they will be welcome to the Australian Open in January.”
