No vaccine, no French Open for Djokovic, says France's ministry

PARIS - Novak Djokovic could be barred from playing in the French Open as things stand after France's sports ministry said on Monday (Jan 17) there would be no exemption from its new vaccine pass law.

World No. 1 Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated against Covid-19, was deported from Australia on Sunday (Jan 16) before the first Grand Slam tournament of the year after losing a court case to have the cancellation of his visa overturned.

France's vaccine pass law, approved by parliament on Sunday, will require people to have a certificate of vaccination to enter public places such as restaurants, cafes, cinemas and long-distance trains.

"The rule is simple. The vaccine pass will be imposed, as soon as the law is promulgated, in establishments that were already subject to the health pass," the ministry said.

"This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice.

"Now, as far as Roland Garros is concerned, it's in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope that it will be more favourable. So we'll see, but clearly there's no exemption."

Djokovic, who was barred from bidding to win a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, has refused to vaccinate. The 34-year-old Serb was criticised for attending public events last month after testing positive for the coronavirus.

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