World No.1 Novak Djokovic will be allowed to participate in the French Open later this year even if he is not vaccinated against Covid-19, said France's sports minister on Friday.
International Tennis Federation protocols at major events meant an unvaccinated player would be entitled to enter France and participate in Roland Garros, which begins in May.
Djokovic, who has been reluctant to reveal his vaccination status, had travelled to Australia after Victoria state authorities granted him a medical exemption to the country's strict vaccination requirements. But when he arrived late Wednesday, the Australian Border Force rejected his exemption as invalid and barred him from entering the country. A court hearing on his bid to stave off deportation was set for Monday, a week before the start of the Australian Open.
Also read: 'He is not being kept captive' says Australian minister as Djokovic awaits his fate