Novak Djokovic news: ‘The first rule is to be vaccinated’ – world No 1 handed Monte Carlo Masters warning

ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic in action

He lives in Monaco, but Novak Djokovic could be forced to miss this year’s Monte Carlo Masters after the tournament director warned that only fully vaccinated players will be allowed to enter.

The world No 1 was unable to defend his Australian Open crown in January following a long, drawn-out debacle that saw him deported from the country as he was unvaccinated against Covid-19.

Djokovic is expected to return to action at the Dubai Tennis Championships as vaccination for the ATP 500 event is not mandatory. He has also appeared on the entry list for the Indian Wells Masters, but storm clouds are brewing in California as you have to be fully vaccinated to enter the United States.

Novak Djokovic news: Fears of fresh debacle as Serbian is on ‘vaccinated-only’ Indian Wells entry list

His autobiographer Daniel Muksch had admitted in recent weeks that he appears to have had a change of heart with regards to getting inoculated, saying “I think he is getting vaccinated”.

However, there has been no confirmation from Djokovic himself that he has taken a shot against Covid-19, which puts his participation in the Monte Carlo Masters in doubt as tournament director Zeljko Franulovic has made it clear that you have to be fully vaccinated to enter.

“If he meets the health requirements of the French government, we will be happy to host him,” Franulovic said.

“He has to be in order. For the moment, as far as I know, he is not vaccinated. As soon as he is in good health with respect to government regulations, we will welcome him with open arms.”

He added: “To come into France, the first rule is to be vaccinated

“ATP protocol also offers the possibility to show a certificate that you had the disease one month before the start of the season.”

Djokovic is a two-time Monte Carlo Masters champion having won the tournament in 2013 and 2015, but he lost in the third round last year.

This year’s ATP Masters event in the Principality will take place from April 9-17.

Novak Djokovic

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