Advertisement
Sections
'Reckless and disappointing': Tennis fraternity slams Novak Djokovic after top-ranked player returns positive test for COVID-19
World number one Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, days after he hosted a number of players in the Adria Tour exhibition tournament in the Balkan region.

World number one Novak Djokovic tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, days after he hosted a number of players in the Adria Tour exhibition tournament in the Balkan region.Djokovic was criticised for hosting the tournament amid a pandemic after Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also returned positive tests after playing in the tournament that was held in Serbia and Croatia.Following are reactions from the tennis world to the Serb’s positive test:Nick Kyrgios, two-times Grand Slam quarter-finalist:"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," the Australian wrote on Twitter. Martina Navratilova, 59-times Grand Slam champion: "Yikes this is not good and it’s a pattern. Hope Novak will be ok of course! What now, U.S. Open? Roland Garros? We have a lot of work to do," she wrote on Twitter.Patrick McEnroe, former doubles champion and commentator:"When I sent out a tweet a couple weeks ago about that event in Serbia I said yeah it looks like a normal tennis event to me. I'm not sure everyone got my point," he said in a video on Twitter.“Maybe they are starting to get it now. Nothing’s foolproof so don’t be foolish. That’s my message.”Over the past two days, organisers have also been criticised for allowing stands to be packed with fans during the opening leg in Belgrade. With no social distancing rules in place in Serbia, players hugged at the net, played basketball, posed for pictures, attended press conferences and were out dancing together.British number one Dan Evans:“I don’t think he should be having a players’ party and dancing all over each other,” Evans said.“Players have tested positive. He should feel some responsibility in his event and how it’s transpired, really.“It’s very unfortunate that Grigor has it and Coric has it but you strip it back, is it a surprise? I think that’s the question we should all ask.”Australian Open quarter-finalist Tennys Sandgren:"If Novak doesn’t get COVID I’m going to start blessing my water with positive vibes," the American said.American tennis player Sachia Vickery:"Last one for the Djokovic fan club who abused me last week after all I said was the first priority should be health and not how many people the top players can bring to a slam," she wrote on Twitter. "It’s awfully quiet right now."American tennis player Mitchell Krueger:"It’s only inevitable that all these boneheaded decisions are possibly putting U.S. Open at risk. Which means this also affects some 300+ players. Nobody is bigger than the sport," he tweeted.“One step forward five steps back,” Krueger added in response to Djokovic’s positive test.Noah Rubin, former junior Wimbledon champion:"It’s just not okay. Reckless and disappointing that they thought tennis deserved the risk," he said on Twitter. British tennis player Tara Moore: "Wait djoko is the guy who was engraged at USO for only allowing 1 entourage in, but ok with Qs, wheelchair, juniors etc to be cancelled but lobbied HARD for more of his team to be able to go. The men’s tour DIRECTLY IMPACTS THE WOMENS TOUR before anyone starts," she said.
First Published:Jun 23, 2020, 23:39:52 IST
Advertisement
Advertisement

'It's not over yet': PV Sindhu makes bold declaration following historic Japan Open title victory
Two‑time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu reaffirmed her belief in herself with a landmark triumph at the Japan Open Super 750, defeating local favourite Akane Yamaguchi in straight sets.
1 min read
The Luis de la Fuente effect: Spain’s secret weapon in their 2026 World Cup victory
Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph was not about a single superstar but about a collective force shaped by Luis de la Fuente’s leadership. His ability to value every player created a family‑oriented squad that thrived under pressure.
4 min read
Rodri beats Messi to win Golden Boot award; Check out full list of 2026 World Cup award winners
The 2026 World Cup wrapped up in thrilling fashion, with Spain clinching a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina to become world champions. La Roja will add a second star above their crest, joining the list of teams that became multi-time World Cup winners.
Substitute Ferran Torres struck in extra time to help Spain secure a 1-0 lead. The Spanish side looked utterly dominant with their playmaking, while Argentina was lacklustre. Even Messi, who carried the team to the summit clash, failed to display his magic.
Following the tournament, check out the full list of the FIFA 2026 World Cup award winners.
1 min read
Messi breaks down after World Cup defeat, shares touching hug with Lamine Yamal
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal had a heartwarming passing-the-baton moment when both of them hugged it out after Spain defeated Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup winners.
1 min read
FIFA World Cup jackpot: What does Spain take home after beating Argentina?
A dramatic 106th-minute goal by Ferran Torres helped Spain beat Argentina in the FIFA World Cup finals. With this victory, Spain not only holds bragging rights but also earns a whopping $50 million (nearly Rs 482 crore) in prize money. The winning side also receives, for the first time, customised championship rings that are estimated to be around $150,000 (Rs 1.4 crore)
4 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
