Djokovic Likely to Play in French Open

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • Novak Djokovic is likely to defend his title in May's French Open after the French government announced vaccine passports will no longer be needed to access venues from 14 March.1
  • The #1 ranked tennis player was deported from Australia after immigration minister Alex Hawke canceled his visa, ending his bid to win the Australian Open.2
  • Djokovic's Barrister claimed this was done not for him posing a COVID risk (he had tested positive for COVID in December) but so as not to 'excite anti-vax sentiment'.3

Sources: 1BBC News, 2New York Times and 3CNN.

Narratives

  • Right narrative, as provided by FOX News. Djokovic's Australian deportation revealed a hysteric fear of vaccine skepticism. With a 94% French vaccination rates, the rule relaxation will only improve life and the economy for the French.
  • Left narrative, as provided by Washington Post. Djokovic is using his status as a public figure to spread dangerous anti-vaxx sentiment - his example threatens the health of people more medically vunerable than him.