Novak Djokovic to miss French Open 2022? ATP lays down marker and informs players about mandatory vaccination for Roland Garros

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Novak Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open title in Melbourne, as he was sent back home. The Serbian’s visa was cancelled twice, with his second appeal being unsuccessful. The 34-year-old is not vaccinated, hence he risks the chance of competing even at the French Open 2022.

Now, ATP, the leading body in men’s tennis has set down a marker and informed players that they need to be vaccinated to compete at Roland Garros, which will be held in May-June. In a letter sent out by the ATP to the players, the subject line reportedly read: ‘IMPORTANT: France Vaccination Requirements.’

The statement adds that players must be mandatorily vaccinated to compete at French Open 2022, and only a medical exemption due to adverse reaction to the vaccine could be considered. However, final requirements will be made available soon to all players.

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French Open 2022 mandates covid-19 vaccination

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

It was considered that French Open could be the only Grandslam, where Novak Djokovic could compete without having to get vaccinated. However, with ATP’s latest letter, the Serbian needs to get the jab if he is to compete in Paris.

“We have been informed by the French Tennis Federation that legislation will soon be passed by the French Government prohibiting non-vaccinated athletes from competing in any sporting event. The legislation is awaiting final ramification but will likely come into effect within days,” the letter read.

The letter further added that the regulations are expected to be in place indefinitely, and further clarification is awaited on the same. French tennis will hope avoid the confusion created by Tennis Australia, Australian government and Victorian government’s poor communication which led to the Novak Djokovic visa fiasco.

Also Read: ‘With Roger Federer out already, the sport needed Novak Djokovic at Australian Open 2022,’ Nick Kyrgios reiterates importance of Big Three in Tennis