Djokovic cleared for Rome Masters participation

Novak Djokovic will be able to compete at this year’s Italian Open despite his unvaccinated status with the president of the Italian Tennis Federation confirming he has been given the all-clear.

World No 1 Djokovic has only played a handful of tournaments this year due to his decision not to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as he was deported from Australia while he was also not allowed entry into the United States for the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open.

However, he is set to play a full clay-court season as he made his return at the Monte Carlo Masters last week while this week he is in action at the Serbia Open. His next event is the Madrid Open followed by the Italian Open.

There were one or two question marks over his Rome trip as Italy entry rules require either proof of vaccination against COVID-19. However, proof of recovery from infection or a negative test are also allowed and Djokovic has recovered after testing positive in December.

“The rules regarding players’ participation are established by the government and the ATP."

Djokovic is a five-time champion in Rome, but he finished runner-up to Rafael Nadal at last year’s tournament while in 2020 he beat Diego Schwartzman in the final. Organisers also confirmed that capacity crowds will once again be allowed at Foro Italico after reduced spectator numbers the past two years due to Covid-19.