'This is a disgrace': Third player gets COVID-19 after Novak Djokovic event
Viktor Troicki has become the third tennis player to contract coronavirus after playing at Novak Djokovic’s controversial Adria Tour tennis event.
Djokovic is copping widespread condemnation after organising the charity event, which took place in Serbia and Croatia over the last two weekends.
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The tournament was held in Belgrade and Zadar, with the players pictured playing basketball and dancing together without following social distancing protocols - although they did not break any government protocols.
Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and now Troicki have all tested positive for coronavirus after taking part in the event.
In a concerning twist, Troicki has revealed his pregnant partner has also tested posiitve.
“It is true that my wife and I are positive,” Troicki told local media.
“She was tested on Friday and my daughter and I on Sunday after we found out she was positive.
“My daughter is negative, and my wife and I are positive.”
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Djokovic’s own coronavirus test results will be revealed late on Tuesday evening (AEST) after which he will address the public, Serbian media reported on Monday.
Australian star Nick Kyrgios condemned the decision to hold Djokovic’s charity event.
Kyrgios took to Twitter on Monday night to remind fellow professionals, in his own blunt way, that the COVID-19 pandemic that has shut down tennis is not to be taken lightly.
“Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the 'exhibition',” he posted.
“Speedy recovery fellas, but that's what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE.”
🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ 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. https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 22, 2020
British No.1 Evans echoed those sentiments.
“I don't think he should be having a players' party and dancing all over each other,” Evans said before Jamie Murray's behind-closed-doors 'Battle of the Brits' tournament that begins in London on Tuesday.
“Two very good tennis 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.”
American tennis great Chris Evert also criticised the organisers for the lack of social-distancing, saying “... total physical contact, no face masks, even the fans were without masks.. I don't get it.”
Fans and tennis pundits are also fuming.
Why wasn't Djokovic there giving the FACE to the crowd? This is a disgrace
— Luis Sousa (@LuiSousaSinger) June 22, 2020
That’s a brazen response from Djokovic. The way the whole tournament was run was a disgrace.
— Noel O Keeffe (@keeffe_noel) June 22, 2020
I’m an ardent supporter of Djokovic, but this party and the whole #Adriatour with packed crowds send the message: there is no #Covid_19, don’t practice social distancing, do as you like. It is irresponsible. It is a disgrace.
— Ginio Beij (@ginio_beij) June 16, 2020
Doubts about upcoming restart of tennis tours
The tournament witnessed packed stands during the opening leg in Belgrade, players hugging at the net, playing basketball, posing for pictures and attending press conferences together.
Djokovic organised nights out in Belgrade for the players and himself and pictures and videos of him dancing with the other participants at his event were posted on social media.
With both Serbia and Croatia easing lockdown measures weeks before the event, players were not obliged to observe social distancing rules in either country.
“It is recommended that anyone who has been in close contact for more than 10 minutes with the tennis player be advised to self-isolate for 14 days and to contact their doctor,” the event organisers said in a statement on Monday.
The positive tests raise serious concerns for the governing bodies of tennis in their bid to restart the sport after the professional game was shut down in March.
Last week the ATP and the WTA issued revised calendars for the resumption of the circuit from August while organisers of the US Open said the grand slam will be staged without fans starting on August 31.
Huge party for Djokovic, Zverev & friends after #AdriaTour 1st stage in Belgrade 🎉
(Video via @BenoitMaylin) pic.twitter.com/1HRLNpON5E— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) June 15, 2020
with agencies