Since the start of the 2022 season, the biggest story in tennis has been Novak Djokovic and his vaccination status. After his dramatic deportation from Australia, the question of him being able to perform in Italy is the latest chapter in that story. A few days ago, the Italian Sports Minister, Valentina Vezzali said that Djokovic can compete at the ATP Masters 1000 Rome. However, the Undersecretary of Health, Andrea Costa, seems to disagree with that.

Djokovic recently made headlines when he stated that he is ready to give up tournaments, but will not get the vaccine administered. Djokovic, who was not able to defend his title at Melbourne Park, is set to start his 2022 campaign in Dubai.  

Andrea Costa believes Djokovic shouldn’t be allowed to participate in Rome

2 days ago, Sports Minister of Italy, Valentina Vezzali said that despite being unvaccinated, Djokovic can play in Rome. “As far as tennis is concerned, the reinforced Green Pass is not foreseen, so if Djokovic wants to come and play the internationals in Rome he can do it.” However, she made the point that Novak will not be allowed to stay in a hotel or go to restaurants. 

Reacting strongly to the statement, the Health Undersecretary of Italy, Andrea Costa has questioned Vezzali’s statement, saying, “I am not convinced by the reasons with which Undersecretary Vezzali said that Djokovic will be able to participate in the Internationals of Rome.”

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(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)

The Health Undersecretary reiterated that rules should be respected by everyone. “There are rules that must be respected while they are in place.” 

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Costa, instead, appealed to renowned athletes to come out and help them by setting a good example. “Those who have a big following, who can help us with this effort, have even more reason to give a good example. So I am against Djokovic’s presence at the Rome Internationals.”

The ATP Masters 1000 Rome are set to take place from May 2-15.

Novak Djokovic in Rome

Djokovic has been a 5-time champion at the ATP Maters 1000 Rome. He first won the title in 2008. Entering the tournament as the 3rd seed, Novak started his tournament campaign from the second round. Winning the initial rounds with ease, he entered the final, having dropped just one set. Even though he was put to the test by Stanislas Wawrinka in the finals, he triumphed over the match in 3 sets.

His next win came in 2011. Repeating his 2008 run, Djokovic again reached the finals, having dropped just one set. In the final, he faced the Rafael Nadal. However, taking everyone by surprise, he beat the King of Clay in straight sets to clinch the title. 

His next three victories came in 2014, 2015, and 2020, where he beat Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Diego Schwartzman, respectively. Will he be allowed to compete in the 2022 edition of the tournament? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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