Novak Djokovic can play in French Open even if unvaccinated against COVID-19

Current world No. 1 Novak Djokovic remains in a quarantine hotel in Melbourne after Australia denied him access to the country Wednesday over a disagreement about whether or not he has a legitimate COVID-19 vaccine medical exemption. 

The 34-year-old, who is tied for the men's record of 20 career Grand Slam titles along with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, received some good news Friday. 

Per Reuters (h/t ESPN), France sports minister Roxana Maracineanu confirmed unvaccinated players will be able to participate in this year's French Open, set to begin in May, as long as they follow the protocols imposed by the country and tournament.

"He would not follow the same organizational arrangements as those who are vaccinated," Maracineanu told radio network FranceInfo. "But he will nonetheless be able to compete [at Roland Garros] because the protocols, the health bubble, allows it." 

Djokovic has repeatedly declined to publicly disclose his vaccination status, but Nadal said Thursday his on-the-court rival "would be playing" in this year's Australian Open "if he wanted." 

As Sky News noted, Djokovic thanked supporters for their well-wishes via his Instagram story on Friday. 

"Thank you to people around the world for your continuous support. I can feel it and it is greatly appreciated," he wrote. 

His appeal over the cancellation of his visa is set to be heard Monday morning.