Novak Djokovic risks being barred from competing in the French Open due to his vaccination status. Djokovic is searching for his record-breaking 21st major title that would surpass Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, whom he is tied with at 20 major titles.

The top-ranked tennis star was deported Sunday from Australia after losing his appeal to compete in the Grand Slam.

Djokovic's status at Roland Garros is in serious doubt. The French parliament overwhelmingly approved a law on Sunday requiring anyone at restaurants, sports stadiums and other venues to be vaccinated to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

"This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice," the French government told Reuters.

"As far as Roland Garros is concerned, it's in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope it'll be more favorable. So we'll see, but clearly there's no exemption."

Djokovic has refused to get vaccinated and has been publicly criticized for attending public events last month after testing positive for the virus.

He is the defending champion at Wimbledon, which begins in late June. England has allowed various exemptions from pandemic regulations for athletes, but they must isolate for 10 days.

Djokovic could have trouble entering the U.S. for the U.S. Open as foreign air travelers have been required to be vaccinated since November.

Djokovic’s next possible tournament will be the Dubai Free Tennis Championships from Feb. 21-26. All participants must provide a negative PCR test before being allowed into the United Arab Emirates.

More than 95% of the men and women on the ATP and WTA tours have been vaccinated.

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