The tennis star had recently held a tennis tournament across eastern Europe, in which there appeared to be no social distancing.
Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus after hosting a controversial tennis tournament across eastern Europe.
The men’s world number one tennis player confirmed his COVID-19 diagnosis in a statement – and defended his decision to host the tour despite the continued prevalence of the disease around the world.
In April, Djokovic had revealed he was an anti-vaxxer – and that a mandated vaccination programme could get in the way of his return to competitive tennis once the sport resumes after the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News sports correspondent Martha Kelner said: “Djokovic has become the fourth player to test positive for coronavirus after his Adria Tour, which took place in the Balkans with zero social distancing.
“The world number one organised the tennis event, which took place in Belgrade, Serbia and Zadar, Croatia.
“Fans were able to freely mingle with players who also played basketball and danced in nightclubs. Two members of Djokovic’s support staff, along with players Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Victor Troicki, have tested positive.”
In his statement, Djokovic said his wife Jelena also tested positive for COVID-19, but his children tested negative.
Defending his tournament, the Serbian star said: “Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions.
“Our tournament meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region.”
“The tour has been designed to help both established and up and coming tennis players from south-eastern Europe to gain access to some competitive tennis while the various tours are on hold due to the COVID-19 situation,” he said.
“It was all born with a philanthropic idea to direct all raised funds towards people in need and it warmed my heart to see how everybody strongly responded to this.
“We organised the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the tour had been met.
“Unfortunately, this virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with. I am hoping things will ease with time so we can all resume lives the way they were.
“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. I will remain in self-isolation for the next 14 days, and repeat the test in five days.”
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios described the decision to put on the event as “bonehead”.
Men’s British number one Dan Evans said it was “a poor example to set”.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced a number of tennis tournaments to be cancelled this year, including Wimbledon, which was due to start next week.
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