Organisers Wednesday announced that Novak Djokovic will still be permitted to play in the French Open, even though he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, as long as France’s coronavirus situation remains stable.

Due to the conflict in Ukraine, Russian tennis players, including Daniil Medvedev who is the top-ranked player, will be allowed to participate in the tournament as neutral athletes.

Organisers stated that Djokovic can defend his clay-court Grand Slam title. France has lifted restrictions on face masks being worn in public places and allowed people not vaccinated to enter restaurants, sports arenas, and other locations.

Amelie Mauresmo, director of French Open, stated at a news conference that “at this stage there’s nothing to stop him returning the courts.”

After a legal dispute over his entry to Australia, Djokovic was forced to be deported from Australia in January. Last month, he told BBC that he would be willing to miss the Grand Slam tournaments if he had to get vaccinated.

Djokovic won the French Open twice, and has 20 major titles in total. This is one less than the record held by Rafael Nadal who won this year’s Australian Open.

Gilles Moretton, president of the French tennis federation, stated that Djokovic is currently free to play but French authorities may have to impose new restrictions if the virus situation worsens before the tournament begins on May 22.

Moreton stated that “it is not up to them.” “Today, there is a little viral infection that is spreading around. While we feel confident that all is well, we are cautious about the past two years.

When asked if Russian tennis players would be permitted to compete in the tournament, organizers replied that they will not suspend Russia or its ally Belarus and allow their players to compete as neutral players.

The seven organizations that oversee the sport have condemned the war, canceled events in Russia & Belarus, kicked these two countries out of the Billie Jean King Cup competitions and the Davis Cup team competitions and announced that on March 1, players from those nations would be permitted to compete in WTA and ATP tournaments under the flag of Russia / Belarus.

Amelie OudeaCastera, director general of the French tennis federation, stated that “we are holding this line.”

Other sports like track and field and soccer have banned Russian and Belarusian competitors from competing.

Wimbledon organizers are in discussions with the British government over whether Russian players should be allowed on the grass-court event this year, if they don’t discredit President Vladimir Putin.

Oudea-Castera stated that French organizers do not plan to conduct a comprehensive and individual analysis of each player’s situation. This is “extremely dependent on their family circumstances.”

On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine. This was the day Medvedev, who was competing at the Mexico Open, was certain of rising to the top of the ATP rankings.

Medvedev stated that it was difficult to watch the news from home and woke up in Mexico each morning. “Being a tennis player, my goal is to promote peace around the globe. There are so many places we play. I have been both a junior and a professional in many different countries. It is difficult to keep up with all the news. … I am all for peace.

Moretton stated that he expected the Roland Garros venues will be used at their “maximum capacity” in this year’s edition, despite not having any outdoor restrictions. This is after the two previous editions were affected. Moreton stated that about 500,000 of the 600,000.00 seats available for day sessions were already sold.

Only 50,000 tickets are left for the Court Philippe Chatrier 10 Night Sessions.

Moreton stated that they will be happy to be together again, and that they are thrilled.