Novak Djokovic Will Be Welcomed at This Masters 1000 Event Only If He Follows the Rules, Confirms Director

Published 02/11/2022, 7:00 AM EST

It has been a difficult start to the season for World Number 1. After the highs in the previous season, that saw him lift three of the four Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic is yet to play a match this year. Moreover, the story would have been different had he been injured. But the 20-time Grand Slam champion is in good shape physically.

The 34-year-old was denied a chance to defend his Australian Open title after being deported from Australia. The airport officials had cited that he failed to provide sufficient documents that justified the vaccine exemption he had received to play Down Under. Subsequently, his visa was canceled, and he was detained at the Melbourne airport for eight hours. A long legal battle ensued thereafter.

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The events in Australia will certainly spice up things for Djokovic in future tournaments. Recently, Zeljko Franulovic, the director of the ATP Masters 1000 of Monte-Carlo, has opened up on the Serb’s participation at this tournament.

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Monte-Carlo Masters tournament director remains hopeful to see Novak Djokovic at the tournament

Zeljko Franulovic admitted that he was willing to see the Serb at the tournament, provided his participation is in line with the government rules. He said, “If he is in good standing with the sanitary conditions required by the French government (the tournament taking place on French territory), we will be delighted to welcome him. It has to be in order. For the moment, as far as I know, he is not vaccinated. As soon as he is in good health with government rules, we will welcome him with open arms.”

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(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)

Djokovic is a two-time champion at the Monte-Carlo Masters, with successful stints in 2013 and 2015. Last year, he had lost to Daniel Evans in the third round. Another interesting fact to note here is that the Serbian star used to live at Monte Carlo before moving his base to Marbella, Spain.

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Can the 20-time Grand Slam champion replicate his previous season’s success this year? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Vatsal Shah is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. With a Bachelor's degree in engineering, he is a die hard fan of tennis and sports in general. He is an ardent follower of Rafael Nadal and is inspired by his never-say-die attitude.

Novak Djokovic Will Be Welcomed at This Masters 1000 Event Only If He Follows the Rules, Confirms Director

Monte-Carlo Masters tournament director remains hopeful to see Novak Djokovic at the tournament

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