Novak Djokovic could be banned from competing in the French Open as things are going right now after the Sports Ministry said on Monday that there would be no exemptions to France’s new vaccine law.
World No. 1 Djokovic arrived in his native Serbia on Monday after deported from Australia on Sunday because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has accused the Australian government of “harassing” the top tennis star, who lost a legal battle to overturn his visa revocation.
Vucic urged Djokovic to return to where he would be welcomed.
But even as he flew home, doubts arose about whether Djokovic would be allowed to play at Roland Garros.
France’s vaccine law, passed by parliament on Sunday, will require people to have a vaccination certificate to enter public places such as sports venues, restaurants, cafes and cinemas. movies and long distance trains.
“The rule is very simple,” the ministry said. The vaccine license will be applied as soon as the law is enacted, at facilities that have been granted medical licenses.
“This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or professional sports athlete. And this is until further notice.
“Now, as far as Roland Garros is concerned, it’s in May. The situation could change between now and then and we expect that to be more favorable. So we’ll see, but obviously there are no exemptions.”
Djokovic, who is banned from winning a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, has refused to get vaccinated and was criticized for attending public events last month after testing positive for coronavirus.
He is also the defending champion at Wimbledon, which starts at the end of June. But so far, Britain has granted exemptions from various coronavirus regulations for visiting athletes, if they remain in their accommodation when not competing or training. The United States Tennis Association, which runs the US Open, said it would follow government regulations on vaccination status.
More than 95% of the top 100 men and women in the respective rankings of their travels have been vaccinated. At least two other men – American Tennys Sandgren and the French Pierre-Hugues Herbert – skipped the first major tournament of the year – the Australian Open – due to vaccine requirements.
Asked if Djokovic would face any punishment for isolating him while infected when he returned to Serbia, Serbian officials said he would not because the country was not in a state of affairs. emergency state.
Djokovic is a national hero in Serbia, who the president called the Australian trial “a farce with lots of lies.”
Snezana Jankovic, a Belgrade resident, said: “Novak, welcome home, you know that we all support you here. They can take away your visa, but they can’t take away your joy. your Serbian pride.”
Information from Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this story.
