Novak Djokovic successfully appeals Paris Masters ban

March 25, 2022

ATP Tennis Players, Novak Djokovic, Tennis News, Tennis Tournaments

Novak Djokovic successfully appeals Paris Masters ban

Novak Djokovic faced a ban from the Paris Masters for his late withdrawal from the ‘Sunshine Double’, although he has successfully appealed the decision and will likely be able to compete later this year.

Following his absence from the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open, also known as the ‘Sunshine Double,’ Djokovic was set to be banned from the Masters Event where he picked up the most points the previous year.

In an interview with the BBC released last month, 20-time Grand Slam legend Djokovic reiterated his intention to remain unvaccinated and said he was willing to accept not competing in Slams and Masters 1000 events as one of the consequences of his decision.

This means the Serbian icon is the only unvaccinated player within ATP’s top 100 ranked players.

As a result, Djokovic was not permitted to enter the United States unvaccinated, in turn ruling him out of competing at the ‘Sunshine Double.’ Djokovic’s withdrawal also came after the ATP’s withdrawal deadline.

As per the rules outlined by the ATP Tour, “any player who withdraws from the Main Draw of an ATP Tour Masters 1000 event shall have a ranking penalty assessed and be suspended from a subsequent ATP Tour Masters 1000 event.

“This event shall be the event where the player earned the highest point total during the past 12 months.”

For Djokovic, this would be the Paris Masters. Djokovic won last year’s Paris-Bercy event by beating World number two Daniil Medvedev in the final. In doing so, he also ended the year as the Year-End number one for a record seventh time, surpassing Pete Sampras’ record of six.

However, Djokovic appealed to the ATP Tribunal and his appeal was successful, meaning he is free to play in Paris in October to November, permitting he is allowed to compete unvaccinated.

It is stated that to appeal the decision, the ATP requires “attached medical certificates outlining the reason for the withdrawal.”

It remains unclear whether Djokovic received a fine for his late withdrawal after his subsequent absence caused an imbalance in the draw.

The rules for such bans were outlined to players in a recent email sent from the ATP to players, as can be seen below:

ATP Masters Ban Rules