'Lost for words': Outrage over video of virus-exposed tennis star
German tennis star Alexander Zverev is copping heat amid tennis’ virus scandal after video emerged of the World No.7 partying when he was supposed to be in quarantine.
Zverev played at Novak Djokovic’s ill-fated Adria Tour tennis event, which was widely condemned after Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for coronavirus.
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The event went ahead despite major concerns about a lack of social-distancing between spectators, players and officials.
Zverev and a number of other players were also seen partying at packed nightclubs during the event, however the German player later announced he’d tested negative.
“I deeply apologise to anyone that I have potentially put at risk by playing this tour,” the 23-year-old said in a statement after the positive virus cases were announced.
“I will proceed to follow the self-isolating guidelines advised by our doctors. As an added precaution my team and I will continue with regular testing.”
However it appears as though Zverev isn’t taking the self-isolation guidelines that seriously.
Video has emerged of Zverev partying in Monaco less than a week after the Adria Tour scandal.
I mean. No doubt. Several different sources show Alexander Zverev at Anjuna Plage Private Club in Monte Carlo. pic.twitter.com/sjZEx0i5n9
— Simon Häring (@_shaering) June 28, 2020
New York Times tennis writer Ben Rothenberg re-posted the video from German fashion designer Philipp Plein on Twitter on Sunday, showing Zverev dancing with friends at a restaurant (without much social-distancing).
“This is my concern with tennis attempting to come back mid-pandemic: not that precautions can’t be taken, but that too many tennis players are conditioned to be wildly self-centred and have no concept of how to act for the greater interest of a larger group,” Rothenberg wrote.
“Philipp Plein has already deleted the frame of his Instastory that most clearly showed Zverev partying today.
“No matter how lazy, sloppy and selfish players are about following public health guidelines mid-pandemic, they sure can spring to quick action to cover their asses.”
Philipp Plein has already deleted the frame of his Instastory that most clearly showed Zverev partying today.
No matter how lazy, sloppy and selfish players are about following public health guidelines mid-pandemic, they sure can spring to quick action to cover their asses.🥳😐— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) June 28, 2020
With tennis authorities desperate to go ahead with the US Open at the end of August, there are growing fears that the stars of the game will bring it all undone.
Fans and pundits were also gobsmacked by the new video of Zverev.
I am more outraged not by the fact that Zverev is not self-isolating himself, but by the fact that he is brazenly lying in social media just to preserve his image..🤮
— Vage (@vg_vahe) June 28, 2020
Really disappointing behaviour but another proof that the ATP tour can't trust the players to follow their rules. How on earth do the officials think big tournaments will work this year?
— Doris (@DorisLaRubia) June 28, 2020
Wow, I'm lost for words pic.twitter.com/iVAgF1KeVv
— Muneeb Farrukh (@Muneeb313_) June 28, 2020
Judiging from all the footage over the past few weeks, I feel like ATP Players are literally BEGGING us to introduce a new award called ‘Which player is the dumbest and most irresponsible?’ #Djokovic #Thiem #Zverev
— Bagels and Breadsticks (@bageIbreadstick) June 28, 2020
You really should’ve @‘d him. He deserves to be called out. @AlexZverev
— Masha ❤️🇷🇺 (@Masha4Lyfe) June 28, 2020
Djokovic’s coach latest to get coronavirus
Djokovic's coach, former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, confirmed he has tested positive for coronavirus on Friday.
The Croatian, who triumphed at the All England Club in 2001, had come out in defence of the Serbian over his organisation of the ill-fated Adria Tour.
Ivanisevic defended Djokovic, who has also since tested positive, telling the New York Times everyone attacking the 33-year-old was “smart now” but that the event had been given government approval.
Now the 48-year-old coach has tested positive too, confirming the news on Instagram.
Ivanisevic wrote: “Unfortunately after two negative tests in the last 10 days, I have just found out I have tested positive for COVID-19. I feel good and don't have any symptoms.”
Australian Nick Kyrgios called the decision to stage the event “boneheaded”, while British No.1 Dan Evans described it as “a poor example to set”.
Djokovic said earlier this week: “I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm.
“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.”
with AAP