Novak Djokovic given the green light to play at the Italian Open

Novak Djokovic will be able to compete at this year’s Italian Open despite his unvaccinated status with the president of the Italian Tennis Federation confirming he has been given the all-clear.
World No 1 Djokovic has only played a handful of tournaments this year due to his decision not to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as he was deported from Australia while he was also not allowed entry into the United States for the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open.
However, he is set to play a full clay-court season as he made his return at the Monte Carlo Masters last week while this week he is in action at the Serbia Open. His next event is the Madrid Open followed by the Italian Open.
There were one or two question marks over his Rome trip as Italy entry rules require either proof of vaccination against COVID-19. However, proof of recovery from infection or a negative test are also allowed and Djokovic has recovered after testing positive in December.
“The rules regarding players’ participation are established by the government and the ATP,” Italian federation president Angelo Binaghi said at a press conference.
Djokovic is a five-time champion in Rome, but he finished runner-up to Rafael Nadal at last year’s tournament while in 2020 he beat Diego Schwartzman in the final.
Organisers also confirmed that capacity crowds will once again be allowed at Foro Italico after reduced spectator numbers the past two years due to Covid-19.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Exclusive – Former British No 1 insists Novak Djokovic deserves more respect
Novak Djokovic deserves equal billing alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon ranking points decision sparking angry reaction from players
The decision from the ATP and WTA…
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz ‘a different person’ as he prepares for second French Open
Carlos Alcaraz heads into the French Open…
-
ATP Tour
Cameron Norrie wins Lyon Open for fourth career title
Cameron Norrie claims his fourth career title in Lyon.
-
News
Novak Djokovic ready to be tested in French Open defence after ‘very tough’ draw
The Serbian could face Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev if he wants to win the title
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek relaxed as she returns to happy hunting ground
Iga Swiatek says she is prepared for the day her winning streak is broken.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon doubles down on Russian ban despite stripping of ranking points
Wimbledon organisers said they ‘made the only viable decision’.
-
News
Peng Shuai latest: IOC says she is ‘looking forward to visiting Europe’
Peng’s safety and freedom has been a concern since she appeared to allege in a social media post that she had been sexually assaulted.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu facing huge rankings drop after Wimbledon decision
Djokovic is almost certain to lose his No.1 ranking.
-
Wimbledon
Comment – Why the removal Wimbledon’s ranking points could backfire on the ATP and WTA
Wimbledon has been stripped of its ATP ranking points following the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players.