"It wouldn't be right" - Italian Olympic Commitee president Giovanni Malagò against Djokovic playing Rome Masters

The President of the Italian Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malagò has said that he is against the idea of the world no 1 Novak Djokovic participating in the Italian Open.

The reason for the objection to Djokovic's participation is quite simple - his vaccine stance. Djokovic missed the Australian Open last month due to his refusal to take the COVID-19 jab and he has said that he is prepared to miss majors if it means that he does not have to take the vaccination.

Italian government undersecretary in the sports portfolio Valentina Vazzali suggested that there could be a loophole for Djokovic to play in Italy. Italy does not require the Super Green pass which shows that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19 or recovered from it for sports such as tennis. However, she did add that Djokovic would have to avoid staying in a hotel or going to a restaurant while in Italy.

Speaking to RAI, Malago said:

“It absolutely wouldn’t be right. Even if you shower in a camper and eat and sleep in improvised situations, the message is totally wrong. I get dozens of emails every day from mums and dads who are furious because their children don’t have the green pass and cannot do sport. Explain to me why a champion who is in the same situation can”.

In addition to Malagò, Italian Health Undersecretary Andrea Costa has also said that he is against the prospect of Djokovic playing in the Italian Open due to his anti-vaccination stance.