New Delhi: 'Unvaccinated' World No. 2 tennis player Novak Djokovic is all set to defend his French Open title next month as France has decided to ease its entry rules for all travellers. Djokovic had won the French Open back in 2021. The 34-year-old is all set to start his clay-court season this week at the Monte Carlo Masters. He will clash against No. 46 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Tuesday to begin preparation for the French Open.
Earlier this year, Djokovic was deported from Australia ahead of the Australia Open 2022 due to his vaccination status. Even after missing the major tennis tournament, the 20-time Major champion had openly said that even if he is not allowed to participate in any future tennis tournament due to vaccination rules, he was 'willing to pay the price'.
With France easing their protocols surrounding Covid-19, Djokovic has a chance to make his much-awaited comeback and defend his French Open successfully to win his record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
Djokovic has made it clear that he won't get vaccinated for Covid-19. He believes he is not against vaccination, but whether to take it or not should be a personal choice, not imposed by anyone.
The consequence of Djokovic's bold decision is that he won't be able to travel to most of the tournaments in near future due to his vaccination status.
Going forward, he will miss The Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami as the United States has a strict policy against unvaccinated people. Also, the United States' protocols surrounding Covid-19 might stop him from participating in the US Open.