Djokovic tests positive following exhibition series

Novak Djokovic, who has not shown symptoms of COVID-19, said
he will isolate himself for 14 days. File photo by Paul Bauman

   Novak Djokovic announced today that he and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 after he played in a series of exhibition matches in Serbia and Croatia last week.
   The world No. 1, who has not shown symptoms of COVID-19, said he will isolate himself for 14 days. Others who played in the exhibitions and tested positive were No. 19 Grigor Dimitrov, No. 33 Borna Coric and former No. 12 Viktor Troicki.
   Social distancing was not observed at the Adria Tour, which Djokovic had organized to raise money for those affected by the pandemic. Fans packed the stands, and players mingled with fans and each other off the court. Players hugged each other and partied at nightclubs and restaurants, the Associated Press reported.
   Serbia has 13,092 cases and 263 deaths from COVID-19, and Croatia has 2,366 and 107, respectively.
   "We organized the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the tour had been met," Djokovic, who revealed in April that he opposes vaccinations, said in a statement. "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."
   Djokovic said his two children, Stefan, 5, and Tara, 2, tested negative.