Novak Djokovic admits he is “extremely sorry” to those infected with coronavirus from his Adria Tour tennis tournament after confirming he has also contracted the virus.
The Serbian has faced severe criticism after fellow tennis players Grigor Dimitrov, Viktor Troicki and Borna Coric tested positive for Covid-19.
The most recent tournament’s final in the Croatian city of Zadar was cancelled and now the world No 1 has released a statement apologising for the consequences of the tournament, while also confirming both he and his wife have returned positive test.
Djokovic said: “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.
“We organised the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met.
“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.”
After returning to Belgrade, Djokovic and his family took tests, with the 17-time Grand Slam winner and his wife Jelena testing positive.
“The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested,” Djokovic added.
“My result is positive, just as Jelena’s, while the results of our children are negative.”
“I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days, and repeat the test in five days.
“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.
“It was all 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 to this.
“Unfortunately, this virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with.
“I am hoping things will ease with time so we can all resume lives the way they were.”
