French backflip over vaccination rules mean Novak Djokovic can compete at Roland Garros and the Monte Carlo Masters this year.
On Thursday, French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that people will no longer have to show proof of jabs to access venues such as sports stadiums and restaurants from March 14.
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That means defending champion Djokovic, who is unvaccinated, could be allowed to enter French Open in May unless the restrictions are tightened again.
“The situation is improving thanks to our collective efforts,” Castex said.
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“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.”
Djokovic was deported from Australia in January after a legal battle over whether he should be allowed to enter the country, forcing him to miss the Australian Open.
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He told the BBC last month that he was willing to miss upcoming Grand Slam tournaments as well if they required him to get vaccinated.
Djokovic has won the French Open twice and has a total of 20 major titles, one short of the record held by Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard won the Australian Open.
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The new French rules could also allow Djokovic to play in the Monte Carlo Masters clay-court tournament in April.
