Novak Djokovic will be allowed to compete at Roland-Garros in May regardless of his vaccination status, France’s sports minister says.
Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open champion, is fighting to remain in Australia after arriving in Melbourne earlier this week, claiming to have received a medical exemption before his documentation was revoked.
The 34-year-old is currently being held at an immigration detention hotel in Melbourne ahead of a court hearing on Monday to challenge the decision to cancel his visa.
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Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu told French radio that Djokovic would meet the criteria of the country’s “health bubble” put in place for major events.
“There are health protocols imposed for major events by the relevant federations which would permit someone like Novak Djokovic to enter the country,” Maracineanu said.
“In France today we do not have the same regulations as Australia for entry to the country, either for athletes or any citizens from other countries.
“An athlete who is unvaccinated can compete in an event because the protocol, the health bubble for these major events, permits that.”
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Djokovic has caused headlines in recent times over his refusal to reveal his vaccination status, which he has stated is a “personal” matter.
Meanwhile, Czech Republic tennis player Renata Voracova became the second player detained by Australian Border Force officials after her visa was revoked just days before the Australian Open.
The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Wide World of Sport last night that 38-year-old Voracova was being held at the same Melbourne immigration detention hotel as Djokovic, who is contesting his revoked visa in a court hearing set for Monday morning.
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