Tennis star Novak Djokovic and several other players tested positive for COVID-19 following the Adria Tour event he organized in Croatia.
What We Know:
- Djokovic organized the Adria Tour as a four stage charity tennis event which took place in the Balkans earlier this month. Many criticized the event for having no social distancing protocols and allowing fans to be in attendance. Djokovic confirmed that he and his wife tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. Djokovic was the fourth player to test positive after participating in matches in Belgrade and Zadar, Croatia. The other three players are Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric, and Viktor Troicki.
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of all professional tennis tours until August. Djokovic has drawn serious criticism for his response to the pandemic. In April, he said they would not want to take a possible coronavirus vaccine even if it was mandatory. In May, he broke local lockdown rules in Spain by practicing at a tennis club. He also complained about the U.S. Open’s safety protocols, such as limiting the size of player entourages, saying that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to go to the tournament.
- Djokovic defends himself for organizing the Adria Tour. “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,” he said in a statement. Along with having fans present, players casually interacted with each other and fans off the court. Players were seen playing basketball together and partying in nightclubs.
- Djokovic issued an apology when he announced his positive test. “I am hoping this 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,” he said in his statement.
The U.S. Open will start August 24 and the French Open is supposed to start September 21. The U.S. Open will take place without fans while the French Open will allow spectators.
