Tennis World No.1 Novak Djokovich tests positive for Covid-19
World number one Novak Djokovic has revealed he has tested positive for the dreaded Corona Virus.
Issuing an official statement today (23rd June), the Serbian said that though he and his wife Jelena has tested positive, their children’s tests are negative.
Though Djokovich is not showing any symptoms, he will self isolate for the next 14 days according to his statement.
He returned along with his family from Croatia after organising the ‘Adria Tour’. Three more Grand Slam semi-finalists who participated in the tour have also tested positive.
The tour’s next leg in Bosnia has also been cancelled since the players tested positive.
Djokovic has been severely criticised on Twitter for his uncompromising attitude towards restrictions during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The final of the tour scheduled on Sunday was cancelled after his close friend and participant in the tournament Viktor Troiciki, along with Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric tested positive.
Future tournaments in doubt
Tennis world is said to be in shock after the world number one tested positive raising questions over future championships. Concerns have been raised about the conduct of the rescheduled tournaments including the US Open in New York and the French Open in Paris in August and September.
Players from Europe, South America and Asia still face travel restrictions and health risks for travelling abroad for tournaments and now four players testing positive has cast a shadow on tournaments in the near future.
Wimbledon has already been cancelled this year-the first time since World War II.
Regret
“The Tour has been designed to help both established and up and coming tennis players from South-Eastern Europe to gain access to some competitive tennis while the various tours are on hold due to the Covid-19 situation” his statement read.
Djokovic has expressed regret over the event and the infection.
“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” the statement said.
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