This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
On June 23, 2020, world number one Novak Djokovic became the latest tennis player to test positive for COVID-19, joining a growing list of players who contracted the virus after participating in his Adria Tour competition.
The Adria Tour, which was held in Serbia and Croatia, was one of the first major tennis events to take place since the global pandemic forced the cancellation of all ATP Tour events in February.
Despite the risks, the tournament attracted 4,000 fans to its first leg in Serbia, and players were later pictured dancing close together in a Belgrade nightclub.
Players were not obliged to observe social distancing rules in Croatia, where the second leg of the tournament was held, and were seen embracing at the net after their matches.
Among those who tested positive for COVID-19 were Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric, and Viktor Troicki, all of whom played in the Adria Tour competition.
“Unfortunately, due to all the events that happened in the last few days, we have decided that the most important thing right now is to stabilise the epidemiological situation, as well as for everyone to recover,” said Djordje Djokovic, director of the tournament.
Britain’s Andy Murray called the positive tests a “lesson for us”, while Australian Nick Kyrgios described playing in the tournament as a “bone-headed decision”.
