Novak Djokovic may be able to compete in French Open after the country relaxed its vaccination rules

• Novak Djokovic was due to miss the French Open due to him not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
• But France has now relaxed its rule on vaccine passports, paving the way for him to play.

Novak Djokovic may be able to play in the French Open in light of France relaxing its rules on vaccination passports.

The Serbian was stopped from competing at the Australian Open in January due to him not being vaccinated against COVID-19.

France at the time took a similar stance to Australia, requiring all athletes to be vaccinated if they wanted to play in the country.

The position put Djokovic's bid for a third title at Roland-Garros in jeopardy.

But French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced Thursday that, as of March 14, people will no longer have to show proof of vaccination to access venues such as sports stadiums and restaurants.

The French Open begins on May 22, raising the prospect that by the time it comes, Djokovic will again be eligible to enter France to compete.

The easing of restrictions could also mean Djokovic plays in next month's Monte Carlo Masters.

"The situation is improving thanks to our collective efforts," Castex said. "The conditions are met for a new phase of easing of measures."

Djokovic said missing Grand Slams was a price he was "willing to pay" in order to remain unvaccinated.

Since then his dominant status has waned: he lost his world number one ranking for the first time in two years on Monday.

He was overtaken by Daniil Medvedev after being knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Open last week in what was his first tournament since missing the Australian Open.

The 34-year-old had held the world the number spot since February 2020.

Roland-Garros will also present an opportunity for Djokovic to once again equal Rafael Nadal in the all-time Grand Slam winners leaderboard.

The Spaniard won the Australian Open to clinch his 21st major and move one clear of both Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Nadal will be favourite to win in Paris having already done so a record 13 times, though Djokovic is the defending champion.