Tennis maverick Nick Kyrgios has called for the Australian Open to be cancelled out of solidarity for the people of Melbourne, but said that if it goes ahead, unvaccinated players should be welcome.

The 26-year-old Australian noted on his podcast No Boundaries how tournament host Melbourne had endured the longest cumulative lockdown for any city since the outbreak of Covid-19. “I don’t think the Aus Open should go ahead, just for the people in Melbourne — you’ve got to send a message,” Kyrgios said.

Kyrgios also took aim at authorities who have pledged to block unvaccinated players from the grand slam. “I’m double-vaxxed but I just don’t think it’s right to force anyone, an athlete, (and say) you can’t come here and play because you’re not vaccinated.” said Kyrgios.