The French government has eased the vaccine passport rules as the announcement stands that vaccine passports would no longer be needed to access venues from the 14th of March. This would render Djokovic to play in the French Open who was set to miss the tournament following the vaccine controversy that has cost the Serbian the world ranking.
The 34-year-old could be the defending champion if he were to play at the French Open, which begins on 22nd May. BBC Sports reported France’s Castex said that the ‘conditions were met’ to ‘suspend the vaccination pass’ wherever it applies which would mean another chance for Djokovic to earn back the ranking that he lost to Daniil Medvedev after being deported from Australia.
Even though Serb was granted a visa to stay back, the courts ruled out his presence as it could potentially ‘excite anti-vax sentiment’ as he is a celebrated athlete around the world. Djokovic responded by saying, “he believes the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title” and that he is willing to sacrifice the chances of catching Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam record to protect that, records Daily Star.
The unvaccinated star recently spoke to BBC saying that he isn’t against vaccinations but has always supported the freedom to choose what to put in one’s body. Djokovic lost in the quarter-finals round at the Dubai Championships and will miss out on the Indian Wells and Miami because of his vaccination status. But he is set to return to the ATP Tour at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters next month and the French Open.
