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Novak Djokovic Roland Garros ATP 2021

‘No other exemptions’ – ATP informs pros they must be vaccinated for Roland Garros


Likely beginning next week, all athletes looking to compete in sporting events in France will need to be fully vaccinated to attend, something the ATP tour is already making its payers aware of. 

The ATP tour sent out an email to players, reportedly with the subject line ‘IMPORTANT: France Vaccination Requirements’ to notify them of the legislation.

“We have been informed by the French Tennis Federation that legislation will soon be passed by the French Government prohibiting non-vaccinated athletes from competing in any sporting event.

“The legislation is awaiting final ramification but will likely come into effect within days.”

The statement further relayed that the legislation is likely to be in place “indefinitely” and that “a medical certificate that exempts [a player] from vaccination due to medical reasons” is the only alternate to being fully vaccinated.

They added that “further clarification is required” as to whether recent Covid recovery is grounds for exemption if the player already has one dose of a two-dose vaccine.

Less than two weeks ago, French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu suggested that Novak Djokovic, who ultimately was unable to play the Australian Open due to his unvaccinated status, should be able to play Roland Garros unvaccinated, though under tighter personal restrictions.

But that possibility now seems to have been shot down with the announcement of this legislation, throwing into doubt all three of the remaining Slams in 2022 for the world number one.

As it stands, non-citizens of the UK and US must be fully vaccinated to enter the country.

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