Novak Djokovic could play in French Open after France lifts vaccine requirement

All-time tennis great and current world No. 2 Novak Djokovic remained on 20 career Grand Slam titles after he missed this year's Australian Open and was deported from that country because of his choice to stay unvaccinated against COVID-19. 

Djokovic later vowed to opt out of future Grand Slam tournaments depending on vaccine requirements but received some good news on Thursday. 

According to Sky Sports, France is joining other European countries and lifting restrictions related to COVID-19 that include requiring vaccine passports to enter public venues such as Roland Garros. 

"The situation is improving thanks to our collective efforts," France Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday. "The conditions are met for a new phase of easing of measures. From Monday March 14, we will suspend the application of the vaccination pass wherever it applies."

This year's French Open is set to begin May 22, presumably with Djokovic now competing as the defending champion from 2021. He defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in last year's final. 

Without Djokovic in the field, Rafael Nadal went on to win the 2022 Australian Open and, in the process, break a three-way tie with Djokovic and Roger Federer by becoming the first man in history with 21 career Grand Slam singles titles. 

Meanwhile, Djokovic recently lost his No. 1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev.