Djokovic tests positive to coronavirus after organising tennis exhibition tournament
World No.1 Novak Djokovic has tested positive for the coronavirus after organising exhibition matches without social distancing.
Fellow stars Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troiki all failed Covid-19 tests following the events in Belgrade and Zadar.
Now reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Djokovic has tested positive to throw the planned return of tennis in August in question – and cause further controversy over his Adria Tour matches.
He said he has not shown symptons but will now self-isolate for 14 days.
Andy Murray and Dan Evans were among the players to criticise the Serb’s exhibition matches.
The 17-time Grand Slam winner also decided to return from Croatia to Belgrade before taking a test.
Djokovic has issued a statement apologising for spreading the virus – but defended his decision to stage the events.
It read: “Novak Djokovic tested positive for a virus COVID-19.
“Immediately upon his arrival in Belgrade, Novak was tested along with all members of the family and the team with whom he was in Belgrade and Zadar.
“He is not showing any symptoms.”
Bulgaria’s Dimitrov played Croatia’s Coric on Saturday, before both posted positive tests.
Croatia eased its lockdown measures before the event, meaning players were not obliged to observe social distancing rules and were seen embracing at the net at the end of their matches.
Pictures on the tournament’s social media site from Friday showed Dimitrov playing basketball with Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic, while he also put his arm around Coric before their match.
Australian star Nick Kyrgios declared it was a “bone-headed decision” to play the event.
Britain’s Dan Evans says Djokovic – president of the ATP Player Council – has some questions to answer.
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