Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic appears set to compete at the French Open after the country's Prime Minister Jean Castex confirmed the country will suspend their Covid vaccine pass rules from March 14.
The news comes after the world number two was sensationally - and very publicly - denied entry to Australia and subsequently kicked out of the Australian Open over an uproar regarding his unvaccinated status.
Djokovic's rival Rafael Nadal went on to win the tournament, securing an unprecedented 21st Grand Slam title.
France had already re-calibrated their border control to allow for unvaccinated individuals into the country from today (March 3), which is good news for the 34-year-old.
Djokovic has been short of tournament action this season so far due to being unvaccinated, playing just one event in Dubai as he kicked his season off at the ATP 500 there last week.
He was eliminated by qualifier Jiri Vesely 6-4 7-6 (7-4) in a shocking upset.
He travelled to Melbourne for the Australian Open at the start of the season but was deported ahead of the tournament after the Federal Court ruled his presence could ‘excite anti-vax sentiment’ following a protracted dispute.
Djokovic is also set to miss the upcoming Masters 1000s in Indian Wells and Miami as all visitors to the United States require double vaccination. His status means is is currently unknown when Djokovic will play next.
He could now be allowed to compete in both the clay-court Monte Carlo Masters and the French Open in May after the announcement confirming the end to the country’s vaccine pass rules.
Prime Minister Castex announced the news today, telling TF1: “The health situation is improving.”
The news means masks won't have to be worn indoors from March 14, with the pass being scrapped altogether which originally was set to keep Djokovic on the sidelines at Roland Garros. It’s a swift U-turn after French officials had originally been stout in their decision to ban players like Djokovic as long as the vaccine pass regulations were in effect.
“If you are called Djoko, Nadal or Mr Whoever, you respect the rules. All the big events which will take place in France will adopt the Covid Pass," Stanislas Guerin, who represents the 17th and 18th arrondissements in Paris, said in January. “Who would understand if we asked our citizens to make an effort and respect the rules and we then authorised some to get out of them?”
With the new rules, Djokovic will now meet health requirements when the Monte Carlo tournament begins on April 9 - as long as the pass is not reinstated.
The French presidential elections, which begin on April 10, could complicate his preparations, particularly if a new party vows to bring back the stricter regulations.
However, for now, Djokovic will be on a mission to draw level with Nadal on 21 Grand Slam crowns with victory at Roland Garros.
