Novak Djokovic given French Open boost with Covid-19 rules set to change

France to suspend its vaccination pass this month, clearing way for world No 2 to play at Roland Garros in May

With the latest wave of pandemic subsiding, French Prime Minister reveals restrictions will end on March 14

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Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts after winning a point against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti during his men’s singles fourth round tennis match at the 2021 French Open in Paris. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:48pm, 3 Mar 2022

Novak Djokovic’s hopes of playing at the French Open have been given a major boost with the news France is suspending its vaccination pass this month.

The French sports minister announced in January that all athletes would need to be vaccinated to compete on French soil, throwing Djokovic’s defence of his Roland Garros title into severe doubt.

But, with the latest wave of the Covid-19 pandemic now subsiding, Prime Minister Jean Castex revealed the current restrictions will end on March 14.

He said: “The situation is improving thanks to our collective efforts. The conditions are met for a new phase of easing of measures. From Monday March 14, we will suspend the application of the vaccination pass wherever it applies.”

Novak Djokovic in action during his quarter-final match against Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis ATP Championships 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE

The news also means Djokovic, who is the only man in the top 100 who remains unvaccinated, can play in the Monte-Carlo Masters beginning on April 10, which could well be his next tournament.