Tennis

Kyrgios, Evans and Murray react after Djokovic becomes the latest from the Adria Tour to test positive to coronavirus

Nick Kyrgios, Dan Evans and Andy Murray have all reacted to the news that world no.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic has tested positive to coronavirus.

The 17-times grandslam winner became announced on Tuesday that he has contracted the virus just as other team members from the Adria Tour who confirmed their status earlier.

Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric, Viktor Troicki and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic have all confirmed that they contracted the disease at the tour organised by Novak Djokovic father.

Novak DJokovic in a statement confirmed that he and his wife have also contracted the virus but their kids dare negative.

‘The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested,’ Djokovic said in a statement.

‘My result is positive just as is Jelena’s, while our children’s are negative.

‘Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions. Our tournament meant to united and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region.

‘We organised the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met.

‘Unfortunately, the virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with.

‘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.’

Reacting to the news, Nick Kyrgios, Dan Evans and Andy Murray all blamed the Serbian for agreeing to such event at this delicate time.

‘Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’,’ wrote Nick Kyrgios on Twitter.

‘Speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE.’

British No. 1 Dan Evans branded it as a ‘poor example’, saying: ‘I just think it is a poor example to set. Even if the guidelines were taken away in this country I would still be trying to keep myself out of the way as much as I could from other people. And I just think there has been a total disregard to that.

‘It is very unfortunate that Grigor has it, Coric has it but, you know, if you strip it back, is it a surprise? I think that is the question we should all ask.’

He added when asked about Djokovic’s position as ATP player council president: ‘Put it this way, I don’t think you should be having a players party and dancing all over each other and then, two very good tennis players have tested positive, you should feel some responsibility in this event and how it has transpired.’

Andy Murray, Djokovic’s long-time rival and former world No. 1, admitted it was ‘not a good look’ for the sport.

‘I have always had a good relationship with Novak,’ said Murray.

‘In hindsight with what’s happened there it is not a good look.

‘When you are going through a time like this it’s important any of the top athletes around the world should be showing that we are taking this extremely seriously and knowing that we are using social distancing measures and whatever it is.’

He added, looking ahead to the upcoming return of the tennis tours with stricter measures in place:

‘It’s kind of a lesson for all of us to take – if we weren’t already – to take this extremely seriously, to have as many safety measures in place as possible.’

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