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In a statement, Djokovic announced Tuesday from Belgrade that both he and his wife Jelena tested positive for COVID-19 upon returning to Serbia from Zadar, Croatia, where his Adria Tour exhibition tour was rocked by the news that Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric, Viktor Troicki and two coaches have caught the virus.
Djokovic’s statement
Here’s the English version of Djokovic’ statement.
“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.
“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 southeastern Europe to gain access to some competitive tennis while the various tours are on hold due to the COVID-19 situation.
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.
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.
I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days, and repeat the test in five days.”
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What has Rogers or Tennis Canada done to support Canadian players (with tournament or playing opportunities) during the virus window? I applaud Novak for bringing the crowds back, providing playing opportunities and making something happen. You have Charleston, WTA, the Chech tour with the girls, Germany, Tipsaravic, Moratoglou, and other tours… in Canada….NOTHING….
Not sure Djokovic deserves much applause these days.
His friend Janko Tipsarevic has actually done much more – with six full weeks of matches for many more players, including the women as well (gasp!), at his academy in Belgrade.Taking safety precautions, also.
But clearly you’ve missed out on some fairly significant news concerning Tennis Canada in recent months.
Not to mention, I think Andreescu is the only one actually IN Canada. And she hasn’t played since last October.
Stay safe.
Malheureusement ce sont encore et toujours les intérets financiés qui priment sur l’importance humaine du moment !
Comme dans la vraie vie!
I hope he he drove from Croatia to Serbia because if he flew, he exposed even more people to the virus.
Doubtful – 7+ hour drive.
But these guys don’t fly commercial.