”A relief for everyone” – Pierre-Hugues Herbert on suspending vaccination passes

Pierre-Hugues Herbert has spoken of his relief after the Prime Minister of France, Jean Castex, announced that the rules requiring people to show a Covid-19 vaccine passport to access venues will be lifted in France from March 14th. 

The announcement means that unvaccinated players will be able to compete at the French Open this year. The news has been welcomed by the minority of unvaccinated players, with the French World number 112 Pierre-Hugues Herbet expressing his relief and elation at the prospect of playing in front of his home crowd at Roland Garros.

Herbert himself tested positive for Covid-19 in January and as the validity of a vaccination pass after a positive test was increased to four months, he had no aspirations of playing at the French Open and defending his men’s doubles crown.

Speaking to L’Equipe he said, ”I just learned it. For me it’s a relief, but I have the impression that it is for everyone. We all went through this period, whether we were vaccinated, not vaccinated.

“If the restrictions are lifted, it means that we are starting to get out of them. I am personally happy for the whole population, in fact! Let us leave aside this subject which was very heavy.  A lot of things can still happen. And the good news is that I can play Roland-Garros!”.

Pierre-Hugues Herbet will not be the only player at Roland Garros able to defend his crown thanks to the change in government regulations. Former World number one Novak Djokovic looks set to return to try and chase a record-equaling 21st Grand Slam title.

Djokovic was unable to play at the 2022 Australian Open due to his vaccination status which led to him being deported from the country.

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