Australian Open tennis players have begun to leave hotel quarantine after completing their 14-day isolation, about a week before the event starts.

By Sunday, about 500 players will have been released from hotels in Melbourne and Adelaide, organizers said.

High-profile stars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams were among those allowed out on Friday.

Players have quarantined because of the Australian government's Covid-19 rules for anyone entering the country.

In early January, more than 1,700 players, staff and others tied to the Grand Slam were flown into Australia on chartered flights. The tournament begins on 8 February.

Unlike other returning travelers who stay full-time in hotel rooms, players were allowed out of their rooms for five hours a day to practice on court and exercise.

A smaller group of 72 players were fully confined to their rooms in Melbourne, however, after coronavirus cases were discovered on their flights.

Eight cases have been linked to the event so far, including Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa.

The quarantine policy had prompted criticism from several players who were concerned about how it would impact their preparation.