Novak Djokovic news: World No 1 WILL be allowed to play at the French Open

Novak Djokovic will reportedly be able to play at the French Open later this year with or without being vaccinated, meaning he will be allowed to defend his title at Roland Garros.
The world No 1 was unable to do this in Australia as he was kicked out of the country and denied a spot in the season-opening Grand Slam as defending champion due to issues over his visa and non-vaccinated status.
However, it was thought that the French government would apply the same rules as the Aussies as they’ve recently imposed the use of vaccine passports and President Emmanuel Macron is strongly in favour of vaccination, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.
Under the European country’s new rules, vaccine passports can also be used by people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past six months, and since the Serbian returned a positive PCR in December, he will be able to travel to the country unvaccinated until June, which works out perfectly for the 34-year-old as the French Open kicks off on May 22.
The six time Wimbledon winner’s coach Marian Vajda has revealed that the Australian Open saga has affected Djokovic but insists he will make a winning return to the Grand Slam circuit.
“I still don’t understand why they did it to him, it was an unhealthy and unjust decision based on the assumption that Djokovic could do or influence something that has not yet happened,” Vajda explained.
“It is clear that it will hit him mentally, it will hurt him for a long time, it will be difficult to get it out of his head.
“However, I know him very well, Novak is strong, determined and has not yet said the last word in tennis.”
Djokovic won at Roland Garros last year after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, but not before claiming victory over the tournament favourite Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.
This news also means that the 20 time Grand Slam winner can try and add another major tournament win to his name and become the all-time highest Grand Slam winner, and they’ll be no danger of Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal pipping him to the post – unless Nadal continues his winning streak in Melbourne and claims victory Down Under.
People in and out of the tennis world will be divided on the latest Djokovic development, with opinions flying left and right – but just like what happened a week ago, nothing is guaranteed or final until players are actually out on court, meaning a lot could happen between now and May.
Latest
-
French Open
French Open: Naomi Osaka handed tough first round assignment
Naomi Osaka takes on seeded oppostion in the French Open first round.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic thrown together in French Open draw
Tournament favourites Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are uncomfortably close in the French Open draw.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz makes 23-year-old top ten player feel old
Carlos Alcaraz makes Casper Ruud feel like time is getting away from him.
-
French Open
Casper Ruud a big fan of Ons Jabeur and Simona Halep
Ons Jabeur claimed the Madrid Open title earlier this month.
-
French Open
Exclusive – Annabel Croft on ‘big match player’ Emma Raducanu’s prospects for this summer
Annabel Croft has backed teenager Raducanu to defy some of her doubters this summer.
-
French Open
French Open: Rafael Nadal slips, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz favourite
Rafael Nadal is still considered a strong contender for the French Open crown.
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer comeback on track as agent reveals Swiss icon is keen to have a crack at Wimbledon 2023
Roger Federer “won’t rush back this time”.
-
French Open
French Open talking points: Ashleigh Barty void, Emma Raducanu’s pain, Hawk-Eye snub
A few talking points ahead of the 2022 French Open.
-
French Open
Red-hot Iga Swiatek ’embracing’ the pressure ahead of French Open, says Martina Navratilova
Iga Swiatek is thriving.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic ‘rose in Belgrade’, says tennis pundit as he highlights ‘turning point’ in world No 1’s season
Novak Djokovic “very close to his best form”.