The men’s world No 1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic, revealed on Tuesday that he tested positive for Covid-19. The Serbian added that his wife, Jelena, is also positive, while their children are not.
They were tested immediately upon returning from Zadar in Croatia, where the final of the Adria Tour was canceled after Grigor Dimitrov’s positive corona test.
In a statement, Djokovic apologized for each case of the novel virus and wished speed recovery for everyone infected.
While the rest of the tennis players remained in Croatia to be tested on Sunday night, Djokovic traveled back home to Belgrade, Serbia, before being tested. The Adria Tour organizers said he did this as he showed no symptoms before.
Djokovic also highlighted that he organized Adria Tour ”with a pure heart” and ”sincere intentions” to unite and share solidarity and compassion through the Balkan region in these difficult times.
Adria Tour started Djokovic’s native Serbia before moving to Croatia for the second leg. It featured some of the world’s leading players such as Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic, and Alexander Zverev. During a semi-final game in Croatia, three-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov had difficulties with breathing.
Dimitrov later confirmed on Instagram that he had tested positive for coronavirus. Following his positive result, it was later announced that his fellow players Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki, also tested positive.
In the past week, Djokovic has faced a wave of criticism for organizing the tour without proper social distancing measures. Pictures from the events showed large crowds, players hugging and dancing together in large groups in a night club in Belgrade.
Australian Nick Kyrgios, who did not join the tour, branded it as a ”boneheaded decision” to play in times of ongoing pandemic. Kyrgios also emphasized that the current health crisis is not supposed to be underestimated in such a way as it is not ”a joke.”
American tennis star Chris Evert added to the criticism, saying that she ”does not get it” why there were no face masks and no social distancing measures despite the pandemic.
Former No. 1, Andy Murray, admitted that the scenes from Adria Tour were ”not a great look” for tennis as the tours are set to return in August. Murray also highlighted that the elite athletes should take the coronavirus crisis ”extremely seriously.”
According to numerous reports in the sports news outlets, the Adria Tour fiasco could threaten Djokovic’s position as player council president.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the criticism against Novak Djokovic?