‘He can play’ – Italian official greenlights Rome Masters for Novak Djokovic

While doubt remains for where and when Novak Djokovic will be allowed to play unvaccinated, he has for now been given the all clear to return to the Rome Masters this year. 

The world number one is yet to play in 2022 but will take to the court at the upcoming Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, an event he has won five times.

This after Djokovic was sensationally deported from Australia ahead of the first Slam of the year.

Concerning the fifth Master event of 2022, the Rome Masters, Italian undersecretary for sport Valentina Vezzali has suggested there are no barriers to Djokovic participating come 2nd May.

“As far as tennis is concerned, the reinforced Green Pass is not foreseen,” Valentina said according to la Repubblica.

“So if Djokovic wants to come and play in Rome he can do it.”

Should he play Djokovic would be vying for his sixth title in Rome having won the event in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2020.

The Serb has also reached the final at the last three events, winning in 2020 but losing out to ‘Big Three’ rival Rafael Nadal in 2019 and 2021.

That 2021 final saw Nadal clinch a record-equalling 36th Masters 1000 crown, joining Djokovic on that tally before the world number one pulled ahead again on 27 when he won a sixth Paris Masters title in November.

Before Rome, Djokovic might be eligible to play the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Masters in March.

While generally visitors to the US must currently be fully vaccinated, an exemption is permitted to those who enter the country within 90 days of a positive Covid test, which Djokovic has from 16th December 2021.

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