Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour was already at the center of severe criticism as five participants who did not follow the recommendations of health experts contracted Covid-19.
It hit its nadir today as the best male tennis player as of this month himself tested positive for the virus.
The 33 year old Serbian athlete said that he got his test after five other participants already tested positive. He says that he is not going through any of the symptoms as of now.
All of these infections can be traced back to two competitions held in Belgrade, Serbia and Zadar, Croatia. Every step of the little tour was controversial because virtually all social distancing measures were violated.
From doubles matches played with all its physical contacts to visits to the nightclub, many worried that the tour might quickly become the next source of massive infections.
Not surprisingly, three other players and Djokovic’s trainer and coach all tested positive for Covid-19. However, unlike everyone else who was with him during the tour, Djokovic refused to be tested in Croatia after the second competition ended.
The tennis player’s wife, Jelena, has been reported to have tested positive for the virus as well. Jelena also has her own history and controversy. For instance, Instagram labelled one of her post as fake news when she shared the conspiracy theory that argued 5G technology spreads Covid-19.
Djokovic said that he was tested as soon as he returned back to Serbia. He argued in his defense that the spirit of his tour was a positive and innocent one. The athlete said that he wanted the mini tour to be a symbol of solidarity for the region in these tough times.
Djokovic argued that the time of the tour was carefully planned as he and others believed the virus has weakened. However, he was forced to admit that Covid-19 is still very much alive and a big threat. He apologized for all who caught the virus and said it doesn’t negatively affect the local community.
It seems highly unlikely that the remainder of the tour will continue, especially with Djokovic himself forced to be quarantined because of the virus.
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Replaced!