Big news today in the Tennis world. Novak Djokovic has contracted the coronavirus in a very irresponsible manner. The number one player in the world hosted a competition hosted by the Serbian in his home country. It is now revealed that there were people who participated in the non-ATF event that had the coronavirus. Serbia has been loose on their social distancing protocols however this doesn’t excuse the “bone-headed” event that took place in South-East Europe. More than 4,000 fans were present for the event and several of the athletes were even seen partying together at a club in Belgrade. Yikes all around the board.
Novak Djokovic had this to say on the event:
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 South-Eastern Europe to gain access to some competitive tennis while the various tours are on hold due to Covid-19.
It was 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.
We organized the tournament when the virus has weakened, believing the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met.
Unfortunately, this virus is still present, and it is a new reality we are 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 it will not complicate anyone’s health situation and everyone will be fine.
I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days, and repeat the test in five days.
We expected to see spikes in the coronavirus naturally but when the best tennis player in the world is the one conducting a spike, it hits a little bit different.
