TENNIS
Will Djokovic be allowed to play at the French Open?
Former world number one Novak Djokovic may be allowed to play at the French Open to defend his title after France relaxes its covid-19 requirements.
Good news for fans of Novak Djokovic: the former world number one may be allowed to play at the French Open to defend his title after the French government announced it would relax its covid-19 restrictions.
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What are France's new covid-19 regulations?
French officials said proof of vaccination would no longer be required to enter indoor establishments, including tennis stadiums, beginning March 14.
Prime Minister Jean Castex said, “The situation is improving thanks to our collective efforts. The conditions are met for a new phase of easing of measures. From Monday March 14, we will suspend the application of the vaccination pass wherever it applies.”
French Open representatives said they plan to follow the government mandate by the time the tournament begins on May 22. This means that the 34-year-old will likely have the chance to play for a third title at Roland Garros.
However, the tournament organizers also acknowledge that covid-19 restrictions could still change between March 14 and May.
Djokovic kicked out of Australia
Djokovic, who is not vaccinated, was deported from Australia in January after government officials decided that he could potentially stoke the anti-vaccination movement there, leaving him unable to defend his Australian Open title.
He did not back down from his anti-vaccination stance after this experience. He instead declared in a BBC interview that he would rather miss the chance to compete in Grand Slam tournaments than get himself vaccinated.
“The principles of decision-making on my body are more important than any title or anything else,” he said.
Djokovic holds 20 Grand Slam titles, one less than Rafael Nadal after the 35-year-old took home the Australian Open trophy. The Serb recently lost the world No.1 ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev.