The scheduled final of Sunday’s exhibition tournament, the Adria Tour, in Croatia was abruptly canceled after Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov announced that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.
While Dimitrov was not scheduled to play on Sunday, he had appeared in a tournament match Saturday against Borna Coric. And with Dimitrov, specifically, he came into close contact with other top tennis players including Novak Djokovic.
The Adria Tour faced criticism over the past week for operating with no protective measures amid the coronavirus pandemic. Matches were held with fans in the stands, and players neither wore masks nor practiced social distancing.
Dimitrov even participated in a pickup basketball game on Thursday with Djokovic and other tennis players.
Health experts warn that those infected with the coronavirus can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear. Hence, protective measures like masks, avoiding large crowds and social distancing have been encouraged. A pickup basketball game in a closed-air environment would put the health of every player at risk.
On Instagram, Dimitrov said that he was back home in Monaco and urged those who came into contact with him to get tested. He wrote:
Hi Everyone-I want to reach out and let my fans and friends know that I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19. I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during these past days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions. I am so sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am back home now and recovering. Thanks for your support and please stay safe and healthy.
