The top women's tennis body has criticized Tennis Australia's handling of Czech tennis player Renata Vorakova, who was embroiled in a visa dispute that surrounded world number 1 Novak Djokovic.
Doubles specialist Vorakova left Australia before the start of the first Grand Slam of the year after her medical exemption visa was revoked.
Vorakova was allowed into the country for a week and played one match before being sent to the same detention hotel as Djokovic.
However, unlike the Serbian superstar, who is in a bid to defend her Australian Open title, Vorakova, 38, opted not to appeal the decision legally and pulled out of Melbourne on Saturday.
The WTA issued a statement on Wednesday describing the situation as "unfortunate" and said they were seeking more details.
He said he appreciated the efforts of Tennis Australia and its chief executive Craig Tilly to host the first Grand Slam of the year in challenging conditions, but was unhappy with Vorakova's treatment.
The WTA said, "The WTA believes that all players should be vaccinated and is in full support of immigration policies that have been put in place to protect the Australian communities in which we compete. "
“That being said, the complications experienced in the last few days where athletes have followed the accepted and authorized process of obtaining medical exemption for entry into the country is unfortunate.
"Renata Vorakova followed these rules and procedures, was cleared for entry upon arrival, attended an event and then suddenly had her visa revoked when she did nothing wrong.
"We will continue to work with all authorities to address this unfortunate situation appropriately."
Vorakova said she had not been vaccinated, but had planned to do so before Christmas, about the time she became ill with COVID-19.