Djokovic’s Camp Responds to COVID Rumors

The novel coronavirus pandemic has spread across the globe, so some questioned the decision to hold an exhibition tennis tournament hosted by top-ranked Novak Djokovic. But the games went on as scheduled, and, now, even more fingers are being pointed.

The reason for the blame is because some players have now tested positive for COVID-19, and, according to various media reports, fans were not compelled to practice proper social distancing. Thousands of these spectators who came to see top tennis matches may have gone back home after being exposed to the virus.

After news broke that both Djokovic and his wife have tested positive for the virus, many people decided to wag their disapproving fingers at the top player in the field. This blame began to snowball, causing the multiple-Grand Slam champion to offer a public apology: “It was too soon,” Djokovic said, “We were wrong…”

However, some of the player’s biggest fans had other ideas, especially his father, Srdjan Djokovic. Speaking to local Croatia television, the elder Djokovic placed the blame on another player, Grigor Dimitrov, who was one of the other players to test positive, even though there is no clear evidence he spread the virus to others. Still, Srdjan said: “Why did (this) happen? Because that man (Dimitrov) probably came sick, who knows from where… He didn’t test here. He tested somewhere else… I think that’s not fair!”

Djokovic’s mother, Dijana, agreed, saying the criticism her son is facing is “horrible,” but that she is happy both he and his wife, Jelena, are “feeling fine” and recovering at home, even as people across the tennis world are “writing horrible things.”

So far, nothing conclusive has been reported as to who may have caused the spread. What is known is that two other players, Viktor Troicki and Borna Coric, also tested positive.

Meanwhile, as fingers are being pointed on the far side of the Adriatic, here in the US, the incident is raising different questions, namely one of those referred to by Djokovic: is it too soon to return to competitive tennis?

Some are openly wondering, even as U.S. tennis has already planted a flag in the calendar. The U.S. Open is scheduled to take place in August, albeit before empty stands. U.S. Tennis cannot afford to see its best and brightest sidelined by this virus, but at some point, fans and event organizers believe play must resume. At this point, that will be August 31… but that could change if infection rates continue to rise.

Organizers have some time to learn from mistakes, if there were any, made at other venues in other tournaments. If they do it well, and players are protected, it could be a huge win, both for tennis and for competitive professional sports as a whole.

Ronn Torossian is the CEO and Founder of 5W Public Relations. 5W PR is a leading digital pr and influencer marketing agency.