French Open 2022: Good news for vaccine-sceptic Novak Djokovic- In a major boost for former World No.1 Novak Djokovic, the 20-time Grand Slam champion can finally return to the top-flight tournament at French Open in Roland Garros to defend his crown. French Prime Minister Jean Castex has revealed that the restrictions put in place will end on March 14. Follow French Open live updates on InsideSport.IN
The development means all athletes would not need to be vaccinated to compete in France for tennis tournaments including Monte Carlo that kick starts on April 10. Djokovic can use the ATP tournament to warm up in the clay-court event ahead of the final showdown.
French Open 2022: Good news for vaccine-sceptic Novak Djokovic, France suspending vaccination pass
Djokovic had defeated King of Clay Rafael Nadal in the semifinals and beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a 4+ hours marathon to win French Open last year.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has lost his World No.1 crown after crashing out of the recently-concluded Dubai Tennis Championships post-Australian Open absence.
On his vaccine status, he told the BBC: “Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else.”
He is also set to miss the big tournaments like Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open in the US due to vaccination rules. Uncertainty looms over Djokovic’s next tournament amid vaccination rules in a number of countries.
“I can’t go, can’t enter United States. I’m not able to play. But let’s see what happens. I mean, maybe things change in the next few weeks,” he told the media.
The much-anticipated Indian Wells Masters is all set to kick start from March 9 (Women) followed by Men’s event on the next day.
Amid this, he has also split with long-time coach Marian Vajda at the end of last season.
French Open 2022: Good news for vaccine-sceptic Novak Djokovic, France suspending vaccination pass
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