Novak Djokovic likely to appear in French Open after vaccine rule change

Novak Djokovic’s next attempt to win a grand slam could go much more smoothly with France lifting protocols around Covid-19 vaccine passports this month. 

The unvaccinated tennis star was deported from Australia in January over issues regarding his medical exemption, and vaccination status, to play in the year’s first major game. However, it is likely Djokovic will be free to defend his French Open crown this May. 

It has been uncertain whether the Serbian would be able to compete in future glad slams this year, but he now has a chance toward a third career title at Roland Garros. 

As of March 14, the French government will no longer require people to prove their vaccination status to enter public places like cafes and restaurants- and in Djocokivs case, tennis stadiums- meaning it is possible for the 34-year-old to play in Paris in May. 

Djokovic will also be free to play the Monte Carlo Masters event in April. 

Whether other countries will follow suit in relaxing their Covid-19 restrictions will determine whether or not Djokovic will be playing more matches this year. 

News of Djokovic’s possible comeback comes after the tennis star’s exclusive tell-all interview with the BBC last month, where he admitted he was willing to miss out on further grand slam tournaments than to get vaccinated. 

He also admitted he was willing to keep an “open mind” about the possibility of getting vaccinated in the future, but hoped vaccination requirements for certain tournaments would change, adding he would  “play for many more years.”

Meanwhile, it has also been revealed earlier this week Djokovic’s longtime coach and mentor, Marian Vajda, will no longer be a part of his team. 

Vajda has guided the Serb for 14 of the 15 years and has been by Djokovic’s side for every one of his 20 grand slam title wins. 

New.com.au reports the coaching break-up is because Vajda, 56, wants to spend more time with his family and has nothing to do with Djokovic’s visa and deportation scandals.