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Massive backflip in Novak Djokovic's French Open chances

Novak Djokovic (pictured) smiling after winning Roland Garros in 2021.
Novak Djokovic (pictured) could be set to play at Roland Garros after the French prime minister relaxed restrictions on vaccination passports. (Getty Images)

World No.2 Novak Djokovic looks set to be able to compete and defend his Roland Garros title after the government's backflip on vaccinated athletes.

The 20-time grand slam champion recently admitted he would be willing to give up playing grand slams if it meant he needed to be vaccinated.

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This comes after the Australian Open debacle, which saw Djokovic deported from the country after a nearly two-week ordeal.

Djokovic's tennis future was in limbo with the World No.2 admitting he would give up his legacy if it meant sticking by his principles.

However, it appears Djokovic might be given a better chance to chase down Rafa Nadal's record 21 grand slam record this year.

The French sports minister initially announced all athletes would need to be vaccinated to compete on French soil, casing Djokovic's Roland Garros title defence in doubt.

But, with the latest Covid-19 numbers subsiding, Prime Minister Jean Castex said the current restrictions will end on March 14.

Novak Djokovic (pictured) kisses the winners trophy after his victory at Roland Garros.
Novak Djokovic (pictured) could be set to defend his Roland Garros title in 2022. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) (Tim Clayton - Corbis via Getty Images)

This will not only allow Djokovic to enter the country and play the French Open, but he should be able to play Monte Carlo Masters on April 10.

Having lost his stranglehold on the World No.1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev, Djokovic will be eager to chase down Nadal's 21-grand slam titles.

Djokovic defeated Nadal last year at the Roland Garros semi-final, before going on to claim the title.

However, Nadal returned to the tour - after taking time off after Roland Garros - at the Australian open and claimed an astonishing 21st grand slam title to take him one ahead of Roger Federer and Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic takes sponsor hit

While the news will come as a boost for Djokovic, the World No.2 has taken two hits in the last week.

This week, sponsor Peugeot revealed they won't continue their partnership with Djokovic, after his eliminated from the Dubai International.

Reporter Sasa Ozmo first reported Peugeot dropping ties with Djokovic.

Carlos Tavera, CEO of Peugeot's parent company Stellantis, later confirmed the move.

Novak Djokovic (pictured) serving at the Miami Open.
Novak Djokovic's (pictured) sponsor Peugeot cut ties with the World No.2 this week. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) (Mark Brown via Getty Images)

This follows Djokovic's long-term coach leaving his role.

Marian Vadja has stepped back from his role as coach after 16 year working with the tennis great.

The move was mutual between both parties and had nothing to do with the recent drama surrounding Djokovic.

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