Ever since the 2021 season began winding down, fans couldn’t wait to hear the schedule of World No.1 Novak Djokovic for 2022. However, for the longest time, the 20-time Grand Slam champion kept his fans in the dark. So much so that until early January, nobody had an idea whether Djokovic would be playing the Australian Open.

Once he confirmed his participation, more drama arrived. Now, the French Sports Minister has provided an update on Novak’s participation in Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic denied entry for Australian Open 2022

On the 4th of January, Djokovic confirmed that he will be heading Down Under with an exemption permission. This caused a huge uproar, as pundits and fans were divided on him being allowed to compete. According to his stance around the Covid-19 vaccine, Novak was not in the reckoning to take part in the Australian Open. Hence, his arrival in Melbourne was a huge matter of controversy.

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Once he reached the airport, there was immediate chaos. Due to some issues with the 34-year-old’s visa and lack of government permission, the Serbian was forced to wait. There was evidently no clear communication between the tennis authorities and the nation’s officials. Ever since then, Djokovic has been made to stay at a hotel, with reportedly no access to his mobile phone. Whether he will be allowed to defend his Happy Slam crown or not, remains to be seen.

French minister says Djokovic might play Roland Garros 2022

Currently in immigration detention, there is some positive news for Djokovic. Ahead of the first major of the year, experts pitted ‘Djoker’ as the favorite to retain his title, over rivals like Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev. But certain personal health decisions have put his participation in every event this year in question. However, a French minister has now updated that Nole might be granted entry for the Roland Garros Championships.

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Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu revealed that Djokovic could benefit from a special case in France, allowing him to defend his clay court trophy. “There are health protocols imposed for major events by the relevant federations which would permit someone like Novak Djokovic to enter the country,” Maracineanu said.

“In France today we do not have the same regulations as Australia for entry to the country, either for athletes or any citizens from other countries. An athlete who is un-vaccinated can compete in an event because the protocol, the health bubble for these major events, permits that.”

After the fiasco in Australia, Djokovic will be glad to know that he will be allowed to defend his crown at the French Open without a fuss.