‘Green Light for Nole!’ Novak Djokovic likely to defend his French Open title courtesy a loophole in France’s new regulations
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Novak Djokovic
Things seem to have settled down around World No.1 Novak Djokovic. But before the commencement of the Australian Open, all eyes around the world were on the Serbian maestro as he was involved in a virtual battle with the Australian government over his visa issues.
Djokovic was granted medical exemptions to compete at the Australian Open by the authorities as he wasn’t vaccinated. But things went downhill as soon as he landed in Melbourne. He was detained on arrival and got his visa cancelled. Nole lodged a formal appeal in the federal court and won the case. He got his visa reinstated and was even present in the Men’s Singles main draw.
But a couple of days before the tournament began, the Immigration minister cancelled Djokovic’s visa once again and despite challenging the decision once again, he couldn’t win the judge’s verdict. He was eventually deported from Australia a night before the megaevent and hence couldn’t defend his Australian Open title.
A few days later, France too declared that non-vaccinated people won’t be allowed to attend any huge public events meaning that vaccination was mandatory in order to play the 2022 French Open, which will be played from May 22nd to June 5th.
Loophole in France’s regulation allows Djokovic to play
But according to La Gazetta, a loophole in the regulations will allow Djokovic to compete at the French Open. Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s tough stance on vaccination, people who have recovered from COVID in the last six months can also avail France’s vaccine passport.
This means that the regulations won’t hold for people who have recovered from COVID in the last six months. And as we know, Djokovic tested positive for COVID on December 16. This means that he can travel to France with due exemptions till at least June and hence can play the French Open.
The 20-time grand slam champion is currently back home enjoying time with his friends and family. He has made it clear that he won’t be making any comments about anything until the Australian Open is finished.
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Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)