Bad timing. Russian tennis player Natalia Vikhlyantseva didn’t even travel Down Under because Sputnik V, the COVID-19 vaccine brand she got in her home country, was not approved by the Australian government at the time she was supposed to arrive in Australia. A month later, now that the Australian Open has already started, the Russian vaccine has been recognized in Australia.
“Thrilled” to hear the news, the 24-year-old Vikhlyantseva shared her feelings on Twitter:
Guys, I have an amazing news for you! As you might know Sputnik V was accepted by Australian government this morning #BetterLateThanNever
Vikhlyantseva’s best Grand Slam results were two second round appearances and both happened at the Australian Open, in 2017 and 2019. Her current WTA singles ranking is No.203, while her career-high was No.54.
