The vaccine loophole that could see Novak defend his title
Novak Djokovic could be allowed to defend his winning title at the French Open under new Covid-19 restrictions, even if he is not vaccinated.
After Djokovic's high-profile deportation from Australia when he didn't meet the country's vaccine rules, his future at the French Open was also thrown into jeopardy.
It initially appeared that the Serbian tennis star would not be welcomed at Roland-Garros under a new law that intended to ban unvaccinated people from stadiums, bars, restaurants and other public places.
French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu previously said that as soon as the law was passed, France's vaccine pass would be compulsory "for all spectators, practitioners, French or foreign professionals" to enter stadiums, theatres or exhibition centres.
However, thanks to a loophole in the vaccine pass, Novak could be allowed to still compete.
The vaccine pass is not limited to Covid-19 vaccinations, as anyone who has tested positive to Covid within the last six months is exempt from having to display the pass.
This rule suggests Djokovic could still compete in the French Open in May and June, due to the fact that he tested positive in mid-December 2021.
The French sports ministry and French Open organisers have said its too early to comment on Djokovic's future at the event, saying restrictions may change between now and May depending on the virus situation.
Novak has yet to make a comment on the situation, with his team claiming he will not give any public statements until the end of the Australian Open on January 30th.
Image credits: Getty Images