Novak Djokovic says he's 'deeply sorry' for harm caused by his Adria Tour tournament
24 June 2020, 06:41
Novak Djokovic has said he is "deeply sorry" and was wrong to organise his Adria Tour events in Serbia and Croatia after becoming one of four players to test positive for coronavirus.
The world number one's positive test was announced on Tuesday afternoon, with Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also contracting Covid-19.
Djokovic said he and his wife Jelena, who also tested positive, are currently asymptomatic and will self-isolate.
Footage has emerged online showing Djokovic partying in a nightclub surrounded by other revellers, sparking criticism from fellow players.
Player Nick Kyrgios wrote: "Prayers up to all the players that have contracted Covid-19. Don't @ me for anything I've done that has been 'irresponsible' or classified as 'stupidity' - this takes the cake."
"I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm," Djokovic said.
"Everything the organisers and I did the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions.
"We believed the tournament met all health protocols and the health of our region seemed in good conditions to finally unite people for philanthropic reasons.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) June 23, 2020
"We were wrong and it was too soon. I can't express enough how sorry I am for this and every case of infection."
The event, which took place in front of crowds with little evidence of social-distancing, was criticised by other players.
Prayers up to all the players that have contracted Covid - 19. Don’t @ me for anything I’ve done that has been ‘irresponsible’ or classified as ‘stupidity’ - this takes the cake. https://t.co/lVligELgID
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 23, 2020
Nick Kyrgios called the decision to stage the event "boneheaded" while British number one Dan Evans described it as "a poor example to set".
Reacting to the news of Djokovic's positive test, the controversial Australian posted an apparent clip of a party held during the tournament and tweeted: "Don't @ me for anything I've done that has been 'irresponsible' or classified as 'stupidity' - this takes the cake."
Djokovic travelled from Zadar, Croatia to his home in Serbia before being tested for the virus.
He confirmed the rest of the tournament had been cancelled and prayed for everyone to make a full recovery.
"If you attended Adria Tour or were around any attendees please get tested and practise social distancing. For those in Belgrade and Zadar, we will be sharing health resources in the immediate future," Djokovic added.
"The rest of the tournament has been cancelled and we will remain focused on all those who have been affected. I pray for everyone's fully recover."
