INTERNATIONAL: Italian Sports Minister Valentina Vezzali has said world number one Novak Djokovic would be allowed to participate in the Italian Open as outdoor events do not require a person to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Djokovic said on Tuesday he was prepared to miss Grand Slams such as the French Open and Wimbledon rather than have a COVID-19 jab after he was deported shortly before the Australian Open due to his unvaccinated status.

We do have to wonder how much longer these games need to be played out. As a sport, superstar or a person with a pocket full of money. Where in some countries it’s hard to even see your own families in the next town. It’s about time the government’s start pulling together and making a rule easy for everyone to understand.

"It is an outdoor sport and the tighter green pass is not required," Vezzali told Italian newspaper Libero on Thursday.

"So, if Djokovic wants to come to Italy to play, he will be able to do so. Maybe without visiting hotels and restaurants."

Earlier this month, Italy's government lifted an obligation to wear masks outdoors under most circumstances in response to an improving coronavirus situation

The Italian Open is set to take place in Rome from May 2-15. Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal beat Djokovic in last year's final in Rome.