Tennis-ATP updates protocols to add incentives for taking COVID-19 vaccine

FILE PHOTO: Apr 1, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Andrey Rublev of Russia hits a forehand against Sebastian Korda of the United States (not pictured) in a men's singles quarterfinal in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Tennis players who have completed COVID-19 vaccination would no longer be considered as close contacts of anyone testing positive for the virus, according to new protocols put in place for tournaments by the men's governing body ATP.

Both the ATP and the women's WTA said it recommended players accept vaccine shots when available after some at the Miami Open this week expressed a reluctance to get vaccinated.