Victoria Azarenka skips Stuttgart event to get COVID-19 vaccine

Players who have been vaccinated are no longer considered as close contacts of anyone testing positive for the novel coronavirus.

Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka said she has pulled out of next week's WTA 500 event in Stuttgart as it coincides with her scheduled COVID-19 vaccination.

"I will unfortunately not be able to compete in Stuttgart ... next week as I will be receiving my first dose of the vaccine at the same time," the Belarusian world No. 15 said on Twitter .

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While both the ATP and WTA Tours have encouraged athletes to accept vaccine shots when available some of the top players expressed a reluctance to get vaccinated at the recent Miami Open.

Under updated COVID-19 protocols on the men's tour, players who have been vaccinated are no longer considered as close contacts of anyone testing positive for the novel coronavirus.