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Novak Djokovic was unable to secure exemption to compete in Australian Open
The World No 1 could now face similar difficulties at the French and US Open
Wimbledon may prove to be the only Grand Slam the Serbian can compete in

Published: 17:43 EDT, 17 January 2022 | Updated: 03:15 EDT, 18 January 2022

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Wimbledon is starting to look like the final refuge for Novak Djokovic after the French government suggested he would be barred from the French Open.

The Sports Ministry in Paris declared that unjabbed elite athletes would not be exempt from needing a vaccination health pass to attend Roland Garros in May and other sporting events in the country.

If that holds it further narrows the options for the world No 1, 34, who also faces being barred from the US. The spring Indian Wells and Miami events are set to make being jabbed compulsory, and the US Open would likely follow suit.

Wimbledon may now be the only Grand Slam where Novak Djokovic can add to his 20 titles

Djokovic could face issues at the French Open and US Open, which like the Australian Open are considering preventing athletes from competing without being jabbed against Covid

So Wimbledon may become Djokovic’s only chance to add to his Grand Slam tally of 20. The All England Club say it is too soon to take a position and that they will adhere to government policy. It also raises the possibility of Djokovic playing at Queen’s this summer.

Djokovic arrived back in Belgrade on Monday and, ominously for him, his clothing sponsor Lacoste said they would be talking to him.

‘We will be in touch with Novak to review the events that have accompanied his presence in Australia,’ a statement read.