Novak Djokovic facing fierce backlash after testing positive for coronavirus at his exhibition tournament

Backlash: Players hugged at the net, played basketball, posed for pictures, attended press conferences and were out dancing
AFP via Getty Images
Tom Dutton24 June 2020

World number one Novak Djokovic has faced a fierce backlash after he tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, days after hosting a number of players in the Adria Tour exhibition tournament.

Djokovic was criticised for putting the tournament on during a pandemic after Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also returned positive tests after playing at the event in Serbia and Croatia,

Nick Kyrgios, who previously called the decision to proceed with the tournament "boneheaded", accused Djokovic of "taking the cake" while sharing a video of the Serb out dancing with fellow players before his positive test.

"Prayers up to all the players that have contracted COVID-19. Don't @ me for anything I've done that has been 'irresponsible' or classified as 'stupidity' - this takes the cake," the Australian wrote on Twitter.

Andy Murray said he hoped the players and their family members who tested positive recovered soon and added that the tournament should not have gone ahead in hindsight.

The Brit said: "Obviously it's not surprising how many players have tested positive when you see the scenes and the images and the videos from the tournament and the players party with no social distancing in place.

"I've seen some people say this puts the US Open in doubt but the measures and the protocols they have in place are completely different to what was going on in Serbia and Croatia.

"For a start, there will be no fans and the players will now know we can all be affected by this, it doesn't matter who you are, we need to respect the rules."

Martina Navratilova added: "Yikes this is not good and it's a pattern. Hope Novak will be ok of course! What now, US Open? Roland Garros? We have a lot of work to do."

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi told the New York Times: "Obviously we feel sorry for the players. We want them to recover as soon as possible.

"I know there has been a lot of criticism, but on the other hand, we at the ATP, the USTA, and everybody, we have to be careful because we also have to be conscious that even with extreme measures, you could actually end up having some players testing positive.

"You don't need players and people hugging each other for someone to test positive. So we're all running the risk."

Donna Vekic, who featured in a mixed doubles match with Djokovic and Coric at the tournament, confirmed that she was now self-isolating despite returning a negative test.

"Just wanted to inform you that I have tested negative for COVID-19 and I will do another test on Friday," she wrote on Twitter

"According to input from medical experts, I am self-isolating. Wishing everyone who tested positive a speedy recovery."

Over the past two days, organisers have also been criticised for allowing stands to be packed with fans during the opening leg in Belgrade.

With no social distancing rules in place in Serbia, players hugged at the net, played basketball, posed for pictures, attended press conferences and were out dancing together.

Dan Evans questioned the decision to proceed, adding Djokovic should feel partly responsible for the spread of infection at the tournament.

Positive: Djokovic's Covid-19 test result has raised doubts over the US Open
Getty Images

The British No1 said: "I don't think he should be having a players' party and dancing all over each other.

"Players have tested positive. He should feel some responsibility in his event and how it's transpired, really.

"It's very unfortunate that Grigor has it and Coric has it but you strip it back, is it a surprise? I think that's the question we should all ask."

Djokovic has since apologised and admitted he was wrong to organise the Adria Tour, confirming his wife, Jelena, has also tested positive.

"I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm," he said. "Everything the organisers and I did the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions.

"We believed the tournament met all health protocols and the health of our region seemed in good conditions to finally unite people for philanthropic reasons.

"We were wrong and it was too soon. I can't express enough how sorry I am for this and every case of infection."

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