Spanish PM Warns Djokovic to Follow COVID-19 Rules
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has issued a stern warning to tennis star Novak Djokovic. The Prime Minister emphasized that Djokovic must adhere to COVID-19 health safety regulations if he wishes to visit Spain. This comes after Djokovic’s deportation from Melbourne on Sunday, just a day before he was set to defend his Australian Open title.
Djokovic’s Return to Serbia and His Spanish Villa
Following his deportation, the world’s number one tennis player returned to his home country, Serbia. Djokovic is also the owner of a luxurious €10 million villa located in Sierra Blanca, in the Marbella area of Spain. The villa became his primary residence in 2020 after he spent 15 years living in Monaco. Djokovic was at Sierra Blanca over the Christmas period before he flew to Australia, where he was embroiled in a controversy over vaccination.
Madrid Open Welcomes Djokovic
Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, the mayor of Madrid, hinted on Monday that Djokovic would be welcome to participate in the Mutua Madrid Open, which is scheduled to begin on April 26. The mayor even referred to Djokovic’s potential participation as a ‘big coup’. Djokovic’s image is featured on the Madrid Open poster, as the event serves as a warm-up for the second Grand Slam event of the year, the French Open in Paris.
French Open Vaccination Requirements
However, French authorities have stipulated that all competitors at Roland Garros must be fully vaccinated. This rule effectively prevents Djokovic, who is known for his anti-vaccination stance, from defending another Grand Slam title.
Spain’s Entry Requirements and PM’s Stand
When asked about Djokovic’s potential participation in the Madrid Open, Prime Minister Sanchez reiterated that all athletes must comply with health regulations if they wish to compete in Spain. Spain’s entry requirements are less stringent than Australia’s, allowing unvaccinated individuals to enter the country provided they can produce a negative PCR test or a certificate of recent recovery from COVID-19. Sanchez expressed his desire to discuss the Djokovic issue with Madrid’s mayor, Martinez-Almeida.
Reactions from the Tennis World
In related news, Spanish tennis champion Rafa Nadal expressed sympathy for Djokovic’s situation in Australia, but emphasized the importance of vaccination. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s €10 million villa in Marbella has been drawing attention as the tennis World No.1 has moved permanently to Spain.
