Will Novak Djokovic play at the French Open after Antivax controversy in Australia?

Djokovic could become the collectively most decorated Grand Slam winner in all of tennis after a change in Covid vaccination rules by French authorities if he triumphs in Paris

The unvaccinated Novak Djokovic made headlines at the Australian Open in January after initially being granted a medical exemption to play but then being deported by the government following a legal battle.

“Personally, I’m against vaccinations and I don’t want to be forced by anyone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” emphasized Djokovic.

“I know some people who through energetic transformation, through the power of prayer, through the power of gratitude, have managed to turn the most toxic food or maybe the most polluted water into the most healing water.

“Scientists have demonstrated in (an) experiment that molecules in water react to our emotions on what is said.”

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The Serbian tennis superstar is currently tied with Roger Federer behind Rafael Nadal in the all-time Grand Slam winning table and needs just one more, a 21st, title to equal.

However, in a BBC interview, Djokovic stated he was not ready to become the most decorated Grand Slam winner in the history of the sport if it meant not adhering to his principles of free choice and not receiving a life-saving Covid virus. to have a vaccine.

Will Djokovic play at the French Open?

Djokovic won the French Open last year, coming back two sets down to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas Roland-Garros but there were doubts about his eligibility to compete in the 2022 edition on clay.

The 2022 French Open will officially start after qualifying on May 22 and it looks like the Serb will be able to defend his crown.

Although previously everyone entering the country had to be vaccinated, the latest changes mean that Djokovic can not only enter France but also compete.

“From today’s perspective, nothing stands in the way of Djokovic’s participation in the French Open,” said tournament director Amelie Mauresmo in March.

Djokovic has great chances to equal the Grand Slam record this year if Federer is out. The 40-year-old continues his rehabilitation after knee surgery last August while Nadal arrives in Paris with doubts about his fitness.