Italy’s Sports under-secretary is reported as saying Djokovic is welcome to play in Italy despite his vaccination status. The Italian Open will be held in the capital from 2-15 May.
Novak Djokovic, currently ranked men’s number one for tennis, could take part in the Italian Open. That despite not being vaccinated against covid, said Italy’s sports undersecretary Valentina Vezzali.
Vezzali told Fanpage on Wednesday, that, “As far as tennis is concerned, the Super Green Pass is not foreseen. So, if Djokovic wants to come and play in Rome he can – without hotels and restaurants – but he can play.”
Vezzali added, “We must also consider that from 31 March, depending on the decline in the epidemiological curve, the state of emergency should come to an end and the situation will be fully re-evaluated.”
Djokovic ready to forego further trophies
Djokovic was deported from Australia last month after the government cancelled his visa in a row over his vaccine status. He told the BBC he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to get a covid vaccine, saying “ [that is] the price that I’m willing to pay.” He added he has “always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”
The 2022 Internazionali d’Italia, also known as the Rome Masters, will be held in the capital from 2-15 May.