‘Another Setback!’ Italian Health Minister opposes Novak Djokovic’s participation at the Rome Masters
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Novak Djokovic
After experiencing torrid times over the last couple of months, Novak Djokovic is set to kickstart his 2022 season at the Dubai Tennis Championship. But this might be the only tournament he might be allowed to play in for a while, with other Masters 1000 tournaments requiring mandatory vaccination to enter the country. The Serbian looked like he received some respite from the recent happenings when Italy’s cabinet undersecretary for sports, Valentina Vezzali revealed the World No.1 will be able to compete at the Italian Open, which begins in May.
But looks like this relief will only be short-lived as Andrea Costa, Italy’s undersecretary for health, opposed Djokovic’s entry and said as long as the rules are in place, the World No.1 must abide by them.
“I am not convinced by the reasons with which Undersecretary Vezzali said that Djokovic will be able to participate in the International of Rome (scheduled from 2 to 15 May), there are rules that must be respected as long as they exist,” Costa said in a speech for 24 Mattino on Radio 24.
Costa opined that allowing Djokovic to enter Italy might send the wrong message to the people. Italy has been under a state of emergency since January 2021, so allowing an individual who is not vaccinated might not set a good example, according to Costa.
“Creating fronts, gates, giving exceptions, we end up giving the wrong messages. a great following, whoever can give us a hand in this work must give a good example all the more reason. So I am against Djokovic’s presence at the Rome Internationals”, Costa added.
“Never been a talk of granting an exemption“- Valentina Valezzi
Valentino Valezzi responded to the allegations by Costa and said there was never a talk of exemption. As tennis is an outdoor sport it does not fall under the current regulations of vaccine compliance, so Djokovic will be allowed to play at the Rome Masters.
“The current regulations do not provide for the practice of individual, non-contact and outdoor sports, including tennis, the obligation of the super Green Pass. There has never been a talk of granting an exemption to tennis player Nole Djokovic, but yes it is only reiterated what the current legislation is,” he responded.
The current state of emergency in Italy is set to expire on March 31st, which means Djokovic will be allowed to play at the Italian Open which takes place between May 8-15. But with conflicting statements coming out, there is still uncertainty over the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s participation.
Also read: ‘Whoever won, I lost!: Novak Djokovic shares his feelings about ‘painful’ Australian Open 2022 final
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(360 Articles Published)