Djokovic gets green light for Italian Open

Italian Sports Minister Valentina Vezzali says Novak Djokovic would be allowed to participate in the Italian Open as outdoor events don't require a person to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Djokovic said on Tuesday that he was prepared to miss grand slams rather than have a COVID-19 jab after he was deported shortly before the Australian Open due to his unvaccinated status.

"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 will take place in Rome from May 2-15, with the new Australian Open champion Rafa Nadal having beaten Djokovic in last year's final.

Meanwhile, Djokovic has received a warm welcome in Dubai as he prepares to make his eagerly-anticipated return to the tennis court following all the global drama surrounding his decision to remain unvaccinated.

He posed for selfies with adoring fans and set off on a guided tour of Serbia's national pavilion at Expo 2020 on Thursday days before he's due to hit the courts.

The pavilion was hosting an event for his foundation, the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which promotes early childhood education in Serbia.

As he ambled into the pavilion surrounded by a sea of journalists, fans clapped and chanted "Nole", his nickname.

"I'm proud to be on this stage," Djokovic said after his wife Jelena gave a presentation about the foundation's work with children.

He said it was often hard to be involved as much as he wanted to