Novak Djokovic is at risk of being kicked out of tennis as he chases down a record 21st Grand Slam title, with rules from passengers unconvinced against COVID-19 in the third year of the pandemic and some tournaments reconsidering exemptions.
The Serbian, who has not been vaccinated, was deported from Australia on Sunday ahead of the Australian Open after losing a court case to revoke his visa.
Under Australian law, Djokovic cannot get another visa for three years – denied him a chance to add to his nine titles at Melbourne Park – but the government has left the door open for a possible return next year.
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However, the world number one faces more hurdles in his bid to overtake Swiss Roger Federer and Spaniard Rafael Nadal, with whom he is tied on 20 major titles, as he is barred from the French Open. Maybe as things stand.
The French sports ministry said on Monday that there would be no exemption from a new vaccine pass law approved on Sunday that requires people to have a vaccination certificate to enter public places such as restaurants, cafes and cinemas.
“This will be applicable to all those who are spectators or professional sportspersons. And it will be applicable till further notice,” the ministry said.
“As far as Roland-Garros is concerned, it is in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope it will be more favorable. So we will see but clearly there is no relaxation. ”
Germany’s world number three Alexander Zverev welcomed the ministry’s stand.
“At least it’s clear what’s going to happen,” he told reporters after winning his first match at Melbourne Park on Monday. “At least they’re saying, ‘Well, no uneducated player is allowed to play in the French Open.’
“We know that already, and I can imagine that there’s not going to be a waiver, and that’s okay.”
The next tournament on Djokovic’s calendar is likely to be the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on February 21-26.
A spokesman for the event told Reuters that all players would need to provide a negative PCR test before being allowed into the United Arab Emirates.
“(Players) will then have to follow the testing protocols and procedures laid down by the ATP and WTA,” the spokesperson said.
Organizers of the Monte Carlo Masters, which Djokovic has won twice, are awaiting guidelines from the French government for the next edition in April, while Wimbledon organizers AELTC are yet to finalize security arrangements for the chief.
However, the Lawn Tennis Association of England said entry requirements for its events, some of which serve as the Wimbledon warm-up, would be set by the government.
Currently, unvaccinated people can enter England, but they must isolate for 10 days.
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Entering the US
A US Open representative said last week that the final major of the year would follow guidelines from the New York City Department of Health.
Djokovic may have trouble arriving in the United States, as foreign air travelers have to be fully vaccinated from November and, with limited exceptions, have to provide evidence before boarding flights.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there are no exceptions to vaccine requirements “for religious reasons or other ethical beliefs”.
The rule could also affect Djokovic’s participation in Indian Wells and US hardcourt tournaments in Miami in March.
The Serbian, who is among the top 100 ATP players yet to be vaccinated, could also face issues ahead of the Italian Open in Rome in May due to strict COVID restrictions in Italy.
Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martínez-Almeida told La Sexta TV station on Monday it would be “very nice” to play Djokovic at the April 26-May 8 Madrid Open, which he has won three times, although the government will be a mediator.
Spain requires visitors to prove they have been vaccinated, had a recent negative test or are immune based on recovery.
VOA