Tennis
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has become the latest player to test positive for COVID-19 after taking part in the Adria Tour competition. It follows the announcement of positive test results from Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki, all of whom had also played in the competition.
While the ATP had suspended all tour activity in February due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Adria Tour, which was not sanctioned by the governing body, was one of the first events to take place since then.
In a statement released to local media, Djokovic explained that both he and his wife had tested positive following recent tests, but that he is currently showing no symptoms.
"The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested. My result is positive, just as Jelena's, while the results of our children are negative," said Djokovic.
“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. I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days, and repeat the test in five days."
The first leg of the Adria Tour had been played in Serbia in front of 4,000 fans, while the second leg took place in Zadar, Croatia last Saturday. Following the announcement on Saturday that Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov had contracted COVID-19 the grand finale of the competition was immediately cancelled.
Three other players who also played in the Adria Tour,
Alexander Zverev, Marin Cilic and Andrey Rublev, have since tested negative for the virus but have stated that they will isolate for the next 14 days as a precautionary measure.
Djokovic’s personal website has since also released a statement, saying:
"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."
Djokovic, who won a bronze medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, has expressed his desire to triumph at next year’s Games in Tokyo, saying: "I’ll fight for the gold medal. Olympics is always in my heart. It’s special to represent my country in a historic sport event."
He will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing experience in Rio, where a combination of injury and a difficult draw culminated in him being knocked out by Juan Martin del Potro in the first round of the competition.
“Last time I was injured and not in good condition. I’d like to reach the final and go further than in Beijing."