- Djokovic has been permitted to compete in the French Open 2022, and the tournament organizers said nothing would stand in the world No 1’s way
- Refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19 saw Djokovic unable to compete in the Australian Open and deported from Australia
- The decision to allow Djokovic to compete comes after France lifted restrictions in almost all public places
Novak Djokovic’s decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 resulted in him being deported from Australia in January and unable to defend his Australian Open title.
However, Djokovic will be able to participate in a Grand Slam for the first time this year.
Novak Djokovic has been allowed to compete in the French Open. Photo/Sky Sports
French Open organizers announced Wednesday that the event’s defending champion would be permitted to contend in the 126th edition of the tournament.
The decision to reinstate Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, comes after France lifted restrictions in almost all public spaces except public transportation, hospitals and nursing homes.
The tournament’s host, Roland Garros, is expected to be fully operational by the time the event begins on May 22
“As things stand, nothing stands in the way of Djokovic taking part in the French Open,” said Amélie Mauresmo, the tournament director
Novak Djokovic was also unable to compete in ATP 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami this month due to his inability to enter the US without proof of vaccination.
While this is not considered necessary for entry into France, French tennis federation president Gilles Moretton has warned that the scenario could change before the French Open begins in late May.
While France used to have strict COVID measures in place due to rising case numbers, they have been relaxing them since February and have continued to do so even with another case spike in late March.
How many French Open titles have Novak Djokovic won?
Djokovic has won the French Open twice and lost four finals in the last 16 years.
Djokovic has won the US Open three times, Wimbledon six times, and the Australian Open nine times, making the French Open his least successful Grand Slam event overall.
He will be the defending champion at Roland-Garros, and he has reached at least the quarter-finals every year since 2009.
How has Novak Djokovic performed so far in 2022?
Djokovic has had a challenging year so far, as he has yet to win a tournament, and he remains world’s number one ranking.
Despite being unable to compete at the Australian Open, the Serbian began his year in Dubai, winning two matches before falling to unseed Jiri Vesely in the quarterfinals.
Novak Djkovic. Photo: MARCA
Djokovic returned to action at the Monte Carlo Masters in April after a six-week break due to being denied entry into the United States. He suffered rare back-to-back defeats.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina defeated the tournament’s top seed in three sets, 6-3 6-7 (2) 6-1, as he began his clay-court season in disarray.
Djokovic would return to form a week later, reaching the final of the Serbia Open, where he was defeated by Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-7 (3) 6-0.
In May, the world No.1 reached the Madrid Open semi-finals, where he defeated Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3.
Djokovic said after the win that it was his best performance of 2022 as he prepares for the French Open.
Djokovic was eventually eliminated from the tournament by rising Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
After beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final of the Italian Open on May 15, to win his first ATP title of 2022.
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