Belgrade: Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, current coach of world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, tested positive for coronavirus on Friday.
Ivanisevic was part of the recent Adria Tour exhibition series in Serbia and Croatia, where Djokovic and three other players — Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki — took part and tested positive for the virus a few days later.
Ivanisevic, who won the Wimbledon men’s championship in 2001, tested negative twice over the past 10 days but subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.
“I would like to inform everyone who has been in contact with me that I tested positive and ask them to take extra good care of themselves and their loved ones,” he was quoted as saying by AP.
The Croat said he’s asymptomatic but will self-isolate.
Djokovic’s charity tournament faced flak after videos surfaced where players, family members and support staff were seen flouting social-distancing rules and even partying at a night club in Belgrade.
Djokovic, whose wife Jelena also tested postitive for coronavirus, however, defended the exhibition series.
“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.”
“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,” he added.
