Novak Djokovic risks being frozen out of tennis, as he chases a record 21st Grand Slam title, with COVID-19 vaccination rules on travellers tightening in the third year of the pandemic and some tournaments reconsidering exemptions.
The Serbian, who has not been vaccinated, was deported from Australia before the Australian Open, after losing a court case to have the cancellation of his visa overturned.
Under Australian law, Djokovic cannot get another visa for three years, denying him the chance to add to his nine titles at Melbourne Park, but the Government has left the door open for a possible return next year.
But the world No.1 faces more immediate hurdles in his bid to overtake Swiss Roger Federer and Spaniard Rafa Nadal - all three have 20 major titles - as he could also be barred from the French Open as things stand.
The French Sports Ministry says there would be no exemption from a new vaccine pass law, which requires people to have vaccination certificates to enter public places, such as restaurants, cafes and cinemas.
"This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson, and this until further notice," the ministry says.
"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."
The ministry's stance was welcomed by Germany's world No.3 Alexander Zverev.
"At least it's clear what's going to happen," he says, after winning his opening match at Melbourne Park. "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."
NEXT UP
The next tournament on Djokovic's calendar will likely be the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships from February 21-26.
A spokesperson for the event tells Reuters that all players will need to provide negative PCR tests before being allowed into the United Arab Emirates.
"[Players] will then need to adhere to the testing protocols and processes stipulated by the ATP and the WTA," the spokesperson adds.
Organisers of the Monte Carlo Masters, which Djokovic has won twice, are awaiting French Government guidelines for the next edition in April, while Wimbledon organisers AELTC are also yet to finalise safety arrangements for the Grand Slam.
But England's Lawn Tennis Association says entry requirements for its events - some of which serve as Wimbledon warm-ups - would be determined by the Government.
Currently, unvaccinated people can enter England, but must isolate for 10 days.
A US Open representative says the year's final major would follow New York City Department of Health guidelines.
Djokovic could have trouble even entering the United States, because foreign air travellers have to be fully vaccinated and provide proof before boarding flights, with limited exceptions.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are no exceptions for vaccine requirements "for religious reasons or other moral convictions".
That rule could also impact Djokovic's participation in US hardcourt tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami in March.
The Serbian, who is among three ATP players in the top 100 yet to be vaccinated, could also face issues before the Italian Open at Rome in May, due to tough anti-COVID restrictions in Italy.
Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida has told La Sexta TV station that it would "be great" to have Djokovic play in the April 26-May 8 Madrid Open, which he has won three times, although the Government would be the arbiter.
Spain requires visitors to prove they have been vaccinated, had a recent negative test or have immunity based on recovery.
Reuters
