Men's tennis star Novak Djokovic has tested positive for COVID-19 days after hosting a controversial tennis tournament in his native Serbia and Croatia.
The Adria Tour, which has been roundly criticised by a selection of Djokovic's tennis contemporaries, came to a sudden halt on Sunday after the Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov tested positive for COVID-19.
Organised by the Serbian, his fitness coach Marko Paniki and Dimitrov's coach Kristijan Groh were also infected. It has now been confirmed that Novak Djokovic himself has tested positive also.
In a statement released by the tennis star on Tuesday afternoon, Djokovic explained the situation regarding his test and sought to clarifying his thinking behind a tennis tournament that welcomed crowds of fans and did not enforce social distancing.
"The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested," an English translation of his statement read. "My result is positive, just as Jelena's, while the results of our children are negative.
"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.
"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 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. I am hoping things 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."
Novak’s statement 👇 pic.twitter.com/SZhRH1Bifn
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) June 23, 2020
Novak Djokovic concluded the statement by confirmed that he will now enter self-isolation and be re-tested in the coming days.
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