World No.1 Novak Djokovic Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Britain's Dan Evans lashed out at Novak Djokovic, saying he should "feel some responsibility" after Dimitrov and Coric tested positive.

Photo: AFP

London: World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) after his Adria Tour tennis project held two events while ignoring social distancing.  His wife has also been tested positive for the virus. 

Djokovic participated in the Adria Tour exhibition event with the likes Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem. Earlier, Viktor Troicki, who also played in Djokovic's Adria Tour, became the latest player to test positive for the deadly virus.

 In a statement, the top-ranked tennis player confirmed the news and also issued an apology.

"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...I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days, and repeat the test in five days," Djokovic said in a statement.

"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 and access to some competitive tennis while the various tours are on hold due to COVID-19 situation," the statement added.

Britain's Dan Evans lashed out at Djokovic, saying the Serb should "feel some responsibility" after Dimitrov and Coric tested positive.

"I just think it's a poor example to set," Evans was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"Put it this way, I don't think you should be having a players' party and then dancing all over each other. He should feel some responsibility in his event and how it's transpired," he added.

World No.40 Nick Kyrgios had also slammed Djokovic and tweeted: "Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the 'exhibition' speedy recovery fellas, but that's what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE."