Novak Djokovic cleared to play 2022 Italian Open

Five-time champion Novak Djokovic has been given the green light to play the 2022 Rome Masters despite being unvaccinated. Italian Tennis Federation president Angelo Binaghi confirmed the news on Wednesday.

The World No. 1 was forced to miss the entire Australian hardcourt swing earlier this year after being deported from the country. He also missed the Indian Wells and Miami Masters as the U.S. does not allow unvaccinated individuals to enter the country.

Binaghi confirmed that the rules regarding player participation were "established" by the Italian government and the ATP.

“The rules regarding players’ participation are established by the government and the ATP,” Binaghi said at the presentation of the May 8-15 tournament.

Binaghi further indicated that he had discussed the issue with the Italian government's cabinet undersecretary in charge of sports.

In another piece of positive news for the event, a full crowd will be permitted at the Foro Italico this year, after reduced crowds were in place in 2020 and 2021.

Novak Djokovic's record at the Italian Open

Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer to win the 2015 Italian Open

Novak Djokovic began his journey at the Italian Open in 2006, falling in the second round of qualifying. After beating Francesco Aldi in straight sets, the Serb lost in three sets to Fabio Fognini.

The following year, Djokovic, seeded fifth, reached the quarterfinals by beating Robin Soderling and Marcos Baghdatis. He ended up losing to arch-rival Rafael Nadal in the last eight.

The Serb's progress at the Foro Italico continued as he won the title in 2008, in only his second main-draw appearance. He scored victories over Steve Darcis, Igor Andreev, Nicolas Almagro, Radek Stepanek, and Stan Wawrinka to get his hands on the trophy.

The 34-year-old finished as runner-up to Nadal the following year and crashed out in the quarterfinals in 2010. However, he scaled the summit once again in 2011, this time beating the Mallorcan to claim his second Italian Open title.

Interestingly, the World No. 1 followed his title win with a runner-up finish (2012, losing to Nadal) and a quarterfinal showing (2013). The 34-year-old won back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015, beating rivals Nadal and Roger Federer respectively in the summit clashes.

Since then, the Italian Open has grown to be a fortress for the Serb, as he has made the finals in five out of the subsequent six editions. He won the title in 2020 and fell to Nadal in the 2021 finals.

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