Currently ‘impossible for Novak Djokovic to return’ to Canada Masters, organiser reveals
Novak Djokovic may not be permitted to compete at the Canada Masters as organiser Eugene Lapierre fears there may be some “not so pleasant surprises” to contend with.
20-time Grand Slam legend Djokovic could be set to miss a further ATP Masters 1000 event as Canada Masters organiser Eugene Lapierre indicated they will err on the side of caution and follow the relevant rules in place at the time of the event.
Having already been deported from the Australian Open and missing both the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open, Djokovic’s participation at numerous other Masters events, such as the Madrid and Rome Masters, remains uncertain.
Such troubles have arisen from Djokovic reiterating his intention to remain unvaccinated in an interview with the BBC and these are the consequences he said he is ready to accept.
There is also doubt over his participation at the US Open as the United States have adopted strict combative measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
As a result of such a stern approach, Djokovic was not allowed to enter unvaccinated meaning he was forced to miss the ‘Sunshine Double.’
Moreover, whilst it appears the Serbian icon will be able to compete at the French Open and Wimbledon as both France and England begin to relax their restrictions, this is caveated by the fact that cases are rising in England as well as the rapidly changing nature of the virus.
In an interview with Canadian newspaper Le Journal de Montreal, Canada Masters organiser Lapierre said “we’re not really in a hurry [to confirm rules and regulations].
“We imagine that there will be changes as we go along; if the situation improves, if the situation worsens, or whatever.
“If it were today, it would be impossible for Novak to return to Canada and participate in the event. So we’re going to wait.
“It gives us nothing to worry about on this side because we will follow the rule. We will follow the recommendations of the authorities.
“In Europe, the cases are going up. We may have some not so pleasant surprises, but for now, it seems to be going well.”
Lapierre also revealed that preparations are going well and the Canada Masters is set to be held in front of a full capacity crowd.
He said “it’s going very, very well. We will return to a normal tournament. In 2020, it was cancelled. In 2021, we were at a third or so of capacity.
“We’ll be happy to see the stands full and it’s responding very well for the moment; Ticket sales are going full steam ahead.”
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