After being booted out of Australia for arriving without a COVID-19 vaccination, Novak Djokovic could be barred from the French Open as well.
Following a new vaccine law, the French Sports Ministry said people must have a vaccination certificate to enter public places, with no exemption.
“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 French sports ministry said.
“This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice,” the ministry went on.
“As far as Roland Garros is concerned, it’s in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope it’ll be more favourable. So we’ll see but clearly there’s no exemption.”
Basically, members of the public will not be allowed to enter restaurants, cafes, cinemas and long-distance trains without a vaccination certificate and since Djokovic refuses to get the jab, he won’t be allowed in to compete in his 21st grand slam and defend his title as the world’s best tennis player.
Djokovic’s eviction from Australia caused a lot of outrage, even in communities that thought he shouldn’t be allowed into the country without a tax, mainly because the communication was so shitty.
German tennis player, Alexander Zverev commented after winning his opening match at Melbourne Park: “At least it’s clear what’s going to happen,”
“At least they’re saying, ‘OK, no unvaccinated players are allowed to play in the French Open.’
“We know that now in advance, and I can imagine there’s not going to be any exemptions, and that’s OK.”
