World number one men’s tennis player, Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus following the conclusion of the 2020 Adria Tour.
Djokovic and other players who took part in the tournament disregarded social distancing regulations by partying and playing football and basketball during the tournament.
The multiple grand slam champion becomes the sixth player who competed in the tournament to have tested positive for the virus.
Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki have also tested positive for the virus.
The 33 year-old Serb, who has revealed he is an anti-vaxxer, stated that he did not have symptoms but that he had become the sixth direct participant in his exhibition series to catch the virus. This comes after two events, in Belgrade and Zadar, where there was a near total lack of social distancing measures, with players repeatedly getting up close in everything from fun football kickabouts to escapades in nightclubs.
Djokovic released a statement on Tuesday to ratify the news.
“The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested,” the statement read.
“My result is positive, just as Jelena’s, while the results of our children are negative.
“Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions.
“Our tournament meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region.
“The Tour has been designed to help both established and up and coming tennis players from South-Eastern Europe to gain access to some competitive tennis while the various tours are on hold due to the COVID-19 situation.
“It was all born with a philanthropic idea, to direct all raised funds towards people in need and it warmed my heart to see how everybody strongly responded to this.
“We organized the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met.
“Unfortunately, this virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with.
“I am hoping things will ease with time so we can all resume lives the way they were.
“I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection. I hope that it will not complicate anyone’s health situation and that everyone will be fine,” the statement concluded.
