France has announced that Djokovic will be allowed to play at Roland Garros

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will be allowed to play in the French Open later this year, even if he is not vaccinated against Covid-19, the French sports minister said on Friday.

Australia's decision to revoke Djokovic's visa, which was granted on the basis of a medical exemption before the Australian Open in Melbourne, caused a furor, sparking those who say he should not have been offered entry against his supporters.



France does not prohibit the unvaccinated from entering its territory, but imposes stricter restrictions on them than those who have been vaccinated.

Sports Minister Roxana Marasinyanu said  that the International Tennis Federation's protocols on major events mean that an unvaccinated player will be eligible to enter France and participate in Roland Garros, which begins in May.

Djokovic, 34, has refused to disclose his vaccination status, while publicly criticizing mandatory vaccines. He did not disclose the reasons for his medical release.

"He will not follow the same organizational measures as those who have been vaccinated. But he will still be able to play at Roland Garros because the protocols and the 'balloons' allow it," Marasignanu told FranceInfo radio.