Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts as he takes part in tennis match during a charity exhibition hosted by him, in Belgrade on June 12, 2020. – Novak Djokovic has also tested positive for coronavirus on June 23, 2020 along with Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki, after taking part in an exhibition tennis tournament in the Balkans featuring world number one Novak Djokovic, raising questions over the sport’s planned return in August. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)
Novak Djokovic’s recklessness in hosting—and playing in—an exhibition tournament resulted in him and his wife testing positive for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), drawing flak from fellow star players and possibly setting back the return of tennis.
The World No. 1 received criticism from fellow players like Australian Nick Kyrgios, who openly stated that his Bosnian benefit tournament and the ensuing party in the evening “takes the cake” in undermining the threat of the virus.
Filipino players Francis Casey Alcantara and Johnny Arcilla weren’t that harsh on the Serbian superstar but said the incident will have repercussions that could further delay the sport’s comeback all over the world.
“Players now could get scared of playing in the US Open,” said Alcantara, the Australian Open juniors doubles champion and reigning Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.
“I am sure US Open officials will put up measures to ensure safety, but there will be doubts about such a decision to bring tournaments back this soon,” he added.
There have been reports that the US Open will be held in late August to open tennis competitions after the pandemic forced the sport to close. The French Open has been rescheduled—pending the improvement in the health crisis—while Wimbledon has been shelved for the first time in a long, long while.
“We all want tennis to return but we all have to think of safety; until there’s no vaccine, it’s not safe,” said the nine-time PCA Open champion and now tennis coach Arcilla.
“He’s a top athlete. He’s got a strong immunity system and yet he caught the virus,” Arcilla added. “What about those people around him?”
Arcilla said that even though organizers may opt for an empty stadium, pushing through with tournaments would still be a risk for game officials and utility personnel.
The Philippine Tennis Association had earlier said there will be no tournaments until after a vaccine is found.
Djokovic and wife Jelena, and other fellow players like Borna Coric and Grigor Dimitrov, were found positive for the virus while playing in the Adria Tour, which was put up for the benefit of tennis workers from the Balkans.
An outrage ensued considering that there was no social distancing observed and there was a viral video of a party that was supposed to be held on the same evening.