French Open 2022: Novak Djokovic: In a huge setback to Novak Djokovic’s plans to take part in French Open after the Australian Open saga, France is tightening its vaccination rules which means Djokovic could miss an opportunity to play at Roland Garros. Follow all the live updates on InsideSport.IN
From February 15, anyone who is not vaccinated against the coronavirus will need to show proof they tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous four months — down from the current six-month window — in order to enter sports venues in France.
French Open 2022: Novak Djokovic at risk of missing back to back Grand Slams with new COVID rules in France
The French law is central to the government’s plan for tackling the virus and aims to bar unvaccinated individuals from stadiums, restaurants, bars and other public places.
- Djokovic, who is not vaccinated, said he tested positive in mid-December.
- Under the current rules with a six-month window, he could play in the French Open, which starts May 22.
- the new requirements stay in force until then, they are likely to rule him out unless he gets vaccinated or tests positive again within four months of the start of the clay-court Grand Slam.
- The top-ranked Djokovic is the defending champion in Paris.
- French Open organizers have previously said it’s too early to comment since virus restrictions can change between now and May depending on the situation.
Earlier this month, he was deported from Australia and barred from playing in the Australian Open for not meeting the country’s strict COVID-19 vaccination rules.
Djokovic was granted an exemption to Australia’s strict vaccination rules by two medical panels and the tournament organizer in order to play in the Australian Open based on documents he supplied showing he had recently had COVID-19. He received a visa to enter the country through an automated process. But upon arrival, border officials said the exemption was not valid and moved to deport him.
In the end, Australian authorities revoked Djokovic’s visa, saying his presence could stir up anti-vaccine sentiment and that kicking him out was necessary to keep Australians safe. He was deported a day before the tournament got underway in Melbourne.
French Open 2022: Novak Djokovic at risk of missing back to back Grand Slams with new COVID rules in France
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