'Pampered sooks': Bill Shorten lashes Australian Open players not taking quarantine seriously

Australian Open players and their significant others need to stop being "pampered sooks" and take hotel quarantine and the threat of COVID-19 seriously, Shadow Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten says.

Melbourne's grand slam as been marred after six coronavirus cases were identified on several flights bringing players to Australia, with 72 players from three affected flights now under strict 14-day quarantine measures.

READ MORE: Tennis legend Pat Cash defends quarantined Australian Open players

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic yesterday issued a list of suggestions to Tennis Australia including providing food up to the standard of elite players and moving as many as possible to private homes with tennis courts.

In a video shared online, Bernard Tomic's girlfriend Vanessa Sierra also slammed hotel living, saying the food was inedible, it was impossible to exercise and have her hair professional washed.

Mr Shorten told Today people need to start taking COVID-19 seriously.

"COVID has been shocking. People have died. People lost their jobs. People haven't been able to go to the funerals of their loved ones," he said.

"And you got these pampered sooks who are having a cry over their conditions.

"I think that at a human level sure it's not great to be cooped in a hotel room for that period of time but you know, I think they just have to get a grip."

Mr Shorten added most athletes have recognised the importance of quarantine.

"I should say most of the tennis players are doing the right thing," he said.

"It's just a few of the attention seekers."

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