Novak Djokovic will be able to compete in the French Open, even if he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and provided that the state of health in France remains stable, the organizers announced on Wednesday.
Russian players, including world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, will be accepted but as neutral athletes due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Organizers have said that so far nothing will stop Djokovic from defending his title on the ground at Roland Garros. France lifted health measures this week, including the obligation to wear a mask in most public places and once again allows access to these places for unvaccinated people.
Djokovic was deported from Australia earlier this year following a legal dispute over his entry into the country. He told the BBC last month that he was prepared to miss other Grand Slam tournaments if they required participants to be vaccinated.
The Serb has twice won the French Grand Slam and 20 Grand Slams in total, sharing the record with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
