Nick Kyrgios calls out Novak Djokovic for Adria Tour after Dimitrov and Coric test positive for coronavirus

Subham Jindal | 22/06/2020
Nick Kyrgios calls out Novak Djokovic for Adria Tour

Nick Kyrgios has tweeted about Novak Djokovic’s leadership after Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric test positive for coronavirus.

The Adria Tour was an exhibition tournament being organized by Novak Djokovic. He wanted to get players to match fitness after the lockdown break.  Top tennis players including Djokovic, Dimitrov,  Zverev and Dominic Thiem were participating in it.

The decision has turned out to be rather costly though, with implication for the rest of the season. There are reports coming in that Zverev has also tested positive, and others could follow suit.

Djokovic’s agent has confirmed that the Serb has not yet been tested, but would have it on priority after returning to Serbia.

Bulgarian Dimitrov withdrew from the tournament in Zadar, Croatia, after reporting of sickness. His opponent Coric was due to play on Sunday with Novak Djokovic.

Also Read: Highest paid Tennis players in the world in 2020

Djokovic’s coach and event director Goran Ivanisevic told fans courtside the final was off because of Dimitrov’s positive test.

A statement was put out by the event management. It read –  “At all times we have strictly followed the epidemiological measures in place with the countries where the Adria Tour was organized.

“None of the people involved in the organisation and who have been in contact with Grigor have any symptoms.

The first event in Serbia attracted 4,000 fans, and several thousand attended in Croatia.

“Congratulations, such leadership”- Nick Kyrgios tweeted

While most players have preferred not to speak against this, the ‘fearless’ Nick Kyrgios has had this to say.

“Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’,” he said.

“Speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This is not a joke.”

He also tweeted about it, sarcastically mocking Novak and co. – “Congratulations. Such leadership.”

The fans on-court booed Goran when he announced the cancellation of the final on Sunday.

What next for ATP and WTA Tennis?

There has been no tennis – ATP, WTA or ITF – since March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The US Open has been scheduled from 31 August to 13 September, behind closed doors. Players across the board have expressed apprehension over travelling to the US.

Now this has happened, it remains to be seen if the organisers will still go ahead with the Grand Slam major.

Post Edited By: Utkarsh Bhatla
nick kyrgios Novak Djokovic

About the author

Subham Jindal

A Red - be it Manchester United or Ferrari. Hails from the hills of Kalimpong, Darjeeling. Aspiring to become a respected Sports Management professional.

Don’t miss these