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
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?