There is a possibility that Novac Djokovic could be barred from playing in the French Open. Read to know the full story.
French sports ministry says no vaccine, no French Open
On Monday, the French Sports Ministry stated that Novac Djokovic can be barred from participating in the French Open if regulations stay the same. According to them, there is no exemption from the new vaccine pass law. France’s vaccine pass received parliament approval on Sunday. As per the new law, everyone will require a certificate of vaccination for entering public spaces and long-distance trains.
“The rule is simple. The vaccine pass will be imposed, as soon as the law is promulgated, in establishments that were already subject to the health pass,” stated the ministry. “This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. Now, as far as Roland Garros is concerned, it’s in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope that it will be more favorable. So we’ll see, but clearly, there’s no exemption,” they explained.
More on Novac Djokovic and the missed record
World number one has not taken the COVID-19 vaccine. On Sunday, the player was deported from Australia before the year’s first Grand Slam. Djokovic lost a court case for overturning the cancellation of his visa. The Serbian player was barred from bidding to make a record and win his 21st Grand Slam title in the Australian Open. He has also been refusing to vaccinate against the virus. Djokovic has been on the receiving end of criticisms for attending public events in December after being positive for COVID-19.
Rafel Nadal, another player eying to be the first to win 21 Grand Slam said the “justice had spoken” on the issue. While he said he would prefer his rival and defending champion on the court, it was important to follow the rules. “I think the situation has been a mess. The ideal situation in the world of sport is that the best players are on the court and playing the most important events, without a doubt. If Novak Djokovic is playing here, is better for everybody, no doubt about that,” said Nadal. Djokovic spent five days in immigration detention upon arriving in Melbourne before they let him train.