Novak Djokovic able to defend French Open title under current restrictions says tournament director
- Planet Sport writer
- 16 March 2022
French Open director Amelie Mauresmo confirmed the news that Novak Djokovic will be able to compete in May’s event under current restrictions.
Djokovic was unable to take part in January's Australian Open after being denied the right to stay in the country due to his unvaccinated status.
The 20-time grand slam champion was also ruled out from competing at Indian Wells for the same reason.
However, with France lifting the majority of it's Covid-19 restrictions, the Serb could take part in May's tournament.
Mauresmo told a press conference on Wednesday: "As things stand, nothing stands in the way of Djokovic taking part in the French Open."
Officials at Roland Garros are expecting grounds to be at full capacity for the first time in two years. What's more, over half a million tickets have already been sold.
However, organisers conceded that their plans could be put back in doubt should rising case numbers prompt any of the restrictions to be reintroduced.
French tennis federation president Gilles Moretton said: "There's still a virus circulating, and we have to be cautious.
"If things were to happen again and the government would take new measures, we would not be excluded from these measures."
Djokovic has refused to be vaccinated, indicating that he would be willing to jeopardise his world number one ranking and his pursuit of a historic 21st grand slam over taking the jab.
The 34-year-old told the BBC back in February: "The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."
