Novak Djokovic allowed to play French Open despite being unvaccinated, French Minister announces
French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu has revealed that Novak Djokovic will be permitted to complete at the French Open, regardless of his Covid-19 vaccination status due to ‘health bubbles.’
This announcement comes amidst the ongoing controversy 20-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic finds himself embroiled in.
Djokovic travelled to Australia at the beginning of this week after being granted a medical exemption to compete at the Australian Open.
However, Djokovic was detained at the border after his exemption was deemed insufficient and his visa was then cancelled, meaning he would face deportation.
Although, the World number one was given an injunction that allowed him to remain in the country as he battles the decision in court. The hearing will take place on Monday, but until then Djokovic is being kept in an immigration hotel.
Whilst Djokovic may be forced to miss the first Grand Slam of the season, Roland Garros are looking to accept him with open arms regardless of his vaccination status.
Citizens from most countries are permitted to enter France regardless of their vaccination status, although there are some exceptions
This is due to the fact that the unvaccinated are placed under stricter restrictions and are forced to undergo a period of self-isolation upon arrival.
French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as other French politicians, are also hoping to increase vaccine and booster vaccine rates in their attempts to manage the rampant Omicron variant.
Maracineanu told FranceInfo radio station “he [Djokovic] would not follow the same organisational arrangements as those who are vaccinated.
“But he will nonetheless be able to compete [at Roland Garros] because the protocols, the health bubble, allows it.”
Despite Macron’s hopes to increase vaccination rates, this announcement comes after the President made some sensational comments where he lambasted those who refuse to get vaccinated.
Macron said “as for the non-vaccinated, I really want to p**s them off. And we will continue to do this, to the end.
“This is the strategy. Limiting as much as possible their access to activities in social life.
“When my freedom threatens that of others, I become an irresponsible person. An irresponsible person is not a citizen,” Macron claimed.
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