Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19

Men’s world number 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic has tested positive for COVID-19 after several players who participated in his charity tournament were also infected with the virus.

His wife, Jelena, also tested positive for COVID-19, but their children have not been infected. Djokovic took the coronavirus test on Monday after returning to Belgrade from the Croatia leg of the event.

Djokovic organized the Adria Tour exhibition event in Serbia and Croatia. He is the fourth player who competed in the charity event to test positive. Viktor Troicki, Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric also tested positive. The tournament finale was canceled on Sunday after Dimitrov announced he had the virus.

The tournament witnessed packed stands during the opening leg with both Serbia and Croatia easing lockdown measures weeks before the event and were not obliged to observe social distancing rules in either country. Players from different countries were brought in amid the pandemic.

Social distancing measures weren’t observed at the matches with players hugging at the net, posing for pictures and attending press conferences together. Social media users were critical after pictures and videos of Djokovic dancing with the other participants in a nights out for the players in Belgrade were posted on social media.

“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 Serbian said in a statement. He added the tournament was done to raise funds for “people in need” and provide competitive tennis for up-and-coming tennis players.

“We organised 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.” Djokovic said.

Djokovic apologized for each individual case of infection and hoped that it will not complicate anyone’s health situation. He said he will be in self-isolation for the next 14 days and repeat the test in five days.