Novak Djokovic, the world’s No. 1 ranked men’s tennis player has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Serbian tennis star released a statement on his diagnosis, saying that after organising a series of exhibition matches in southeastern Europe, he and his wife both contracted the virus.
The activities, called the Adria Tour, were widely criticised for not upholding essential protocols of social distancing.
As The Associated Press reported, the stands were lined with fans. Tennis.com reported players were seen mingling without proper social distancing, playing basketball and soccer games, and visiting a nightclub.
Djokovic was captured in close contact with tennis player Grigor Dimitrov, who has also tested positive for the virus.
“We organised the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met,” Djokovic in his statement. “Unfortunately, the virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with.”
Djokovic, 33, who has won any male tennis player ‘s third-most Grand Slam titles, has previously expressed concerns about the possibility of restrictions due to the coronavirus at future tennis events.
He said earlier this month some players have been “quite negative” about the U.S. Open being kept without fans on its originally scheduled date, as stated by the AP.
He also said in April, as Sky News reported at the time, that another roadblock to him participating in future events could be that he is personally “opposed to vaccination.
“I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection,” Djokovic said. “I hope that it will not complicate anyone’s heath situation and that everyone will be fine.”
He said that he is not currently showing any symptoms.
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