‘No Exemption’: French Minister Announces Worrisome News for Novak Djokovic at French Open 2022

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has captivated the attention of the tennis world over the past couple of weeks. He was deported by the Australian government for not following the protocols after a long saga related to his visa and medical exemption. 

Now that his chance to compete in the Australian Open 2022 is over, Djokovic will turn his attention to the French Open 2022, where he’s the defending champion. However, Novak’s chances of competing at the clay Grand Slam could be in peril after a recent announcement.  

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Uncertainty for Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros This Season

Not long ago, the French Sports ministry released a statement that could be trouble for Djokovic.

The ministry stated, “The rule is simple. The vaccine pass will be imposed, as soon as the law is promulgated, in establishments that were already subject to the health pass.”

Players will need to produce a document that is valid and has all the necessities required by the French authorities. However, the French Open 2022 begins in May and there could yet be more changes as the future is never predictable with the pandemic.  

The Ministry further added, “This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice. Now, as far as Roland Garros is concerned, it’s in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope that it will be more favorable. So we’ll see, but clearly, there’s no exemption.”

Coming to tennis, the French Open 2022 is scheduled to begin on the 22nd of May and will end on the 5th of June. There could be a number of changes before then. At the moment, the focus of the world is on the Australian Open where Rafael Nadal has the opportunity to win a historic 21st Grand Slam and overtake Djokovic and Roger Federer.

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